From Staff Reports

Judge Cheryl Higgins gave Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. the maximum sentence Friday — five consecutive life sentences — for the murders of three Virginia football players and the malicious wounding of two more students.

The judge ruled that Jones had not been bullied or threatened as the defense had suggested and that her sentence wasn’t vindictive, but based on logical analysis. She added that Jones, a University of Virginia student at the time of the shootings in November of 2022, had “distortions in his perception” or reality, but had a clear understanding of his actions.

Higgins explained by pointing out Jones had texted others prior to the shooting that he would either “go to hell or spend 100-plus years in jail,” in addition to getting rid of an identifying coat and the gun after the crime and lied to police who questioned him five minutes after the shootings, which allowed him to escape the area.

Jones pleaded guilty to all charges a year ago, but was sentenced after four days of testimony this week.

An emotional Jones spoke to the court for approximately 15 minutes during Friday’s hearing, with some of the victims’ family members walking out during his address.

“I’m so sorry I caused so much pain,” Jones said tearfully. “I didn’t know your sons. I didn’t know your boys and I wish I did.”

Mike Hollins, the football player who was wounded but survived after a series of surgeries, spoke to reporters after the sentencing and was asked if justice was served.

“For the most part,” Hollins said. “Even though that no amount of time on this earth in jail will repay or get those lives back, just a little bit of peace knowing that the man that committed those crimes won’t be hurting anyone else.”