Overview
- Judge Cheryl Higgins imposed the maximum penalty after a five-day sentencing hearing in Charlottesville.
- Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. had pleaded guilty in November 2024 to three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, and five firearm charges.
- Higgins found no one bullied or threatened Jones that night and cited his messages, disposal of clothing and the gun, and lies to police in rejecting mitigation.
- The attack occurred Nov. 13, 2022, when Jones opened fire on a charter bus returning from a Washington, D.C., class trip, killing Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D'Sean Perry and wounding Michael Hollins and Marlee Morgan.
- Survivors and families gave impact statements during the hearing, Jones apologized in court, and he will be eligible to apply for parole when he turns 60.