Virginia football mourns the horrific loss of three players in UVA shooting
Charlottesville, Virginia - Tributes poured in for Virginia Cavaliers defensive end D'Sean Perry, as well as wide receivers Lavel Davis Jr. and Devin Chandler, who were confirmed as the three students were killed Sunday night during a shooting at the University of Virginia.
On Monday, authorities revealed that police arrested the suspect, identified as Christopher Darnell Jones Jr.
Jones was a former running back for Virginia in 2018, and has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder.
Virginia cancelled all classes and extracurricular activities on Monday, including the Cavaliers' basketball game against Northern Iowa scheduled later that evening.
The university will offer counseling and psychological services for all students and faculty members affected by the tragic shooting.
Virginia Cavaliers mourns the loss of three talented players
Lavel Davis, a native of South Carolina, was a standout player for the Cavaliers who posted 16 catches for 371 yards and two touchdowns this season – his first year back from a season-ending surgery in 2021.
"Saddening, saddening news this morning," Davis cousin, Newberry College assistant coach Sean Lampkin, tweeted on Monday. "God took one of his most kind, humble, loving soldiers off of the battlefield last night. Please pray for my family as we are devastated by the passing of my cousin Lavel Davis Jr."
Junior D'Sean Perry, of Miami, garnered five tackles in three games this season, including two in Saturday's loss to Pittsburgh, while Devin Chandler came to the Cavalier program this year after playing two seasons in Wisconsin.
During his freshman breakout season, Chandler earned first letter, and posted a season highlight of a 59-yard kickoff return and 18-yard rush in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl game against Wake Forest.
Virginia football is set to play against Coastal Carolina on Saturday at 3:30 PM EST.
Cover photo: JARED C. TILTON / RYAN M. KELLY / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP