UVA to compensate families of victims in 2022 shooting that took lives of 3 football players and injured 2 others with $9 million

The University of Virginia has agreed to pay $9 million in a settlement with the families of the victims of a campus shooting that occurred in 2022. The shooting resulted in the deaths of three university football players and injured two other students. Each of the families of the deceased players will receive $2 million, the maximum allowed under Virginia law, and an additional $3 million will be paid to the two injured students. The settlement was negotiated outside of court and approved by a judge, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares.

The families of some of the victims are demanding the immediate release of an independent investigation into the shooting, which was completed last year. The focus of the investigation included the university’s efforts to assess the potential threat posed by the suspect, a student who was charged with murder. The families believe that the university should have taken action to remove the alleged shooter from campus before the attack occurred due to his display of multiple red flags through erratic and unstable behavior.

University officials delayed the release of the report last year over concerns that it could impact the suspect’s upcoming trial. The settlement marks a small step for the families of the victims, who are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the university. The university has expressed its commitment to providing the report once it is certain that its release will not interfere with the criminal proceedings.

The shooting occurred when the suspect returned to campus from a field trip to see a play in Washington. The incident started near a parking garage, leading to panic and a 12-hour lockdown of the campus until the suspect was apprehended. The suspect, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., is scheduled to go on trial for murder and other charges in January. Following the shooting, university officials initiated an outside review to investigate campus safety policies and procedures, as well as the university’s response to the incident.

The families of the victims, including the mothers of the deceased players and the injured student, expressed mixed emotions following the settlement. They emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The release of the independent investigation report is seen as critical for understanding what led to the shooting and improving campus safety measures. The University of Virginia has expressed its dedication to honoring the memories of the victims and ensuring that their lives are not forgotten.