Suspect part of field trip, school confirms

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. >> A University of Virginia student who went on a field trip to see a play with classmates is suspected of opening fire inside the bus they were riding in when the group returned to campus, a university spokesperson confirmed Tuesday.

Spokesperson Brian Coy said the suspect in the shooting, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., 22, joined what was previously described as a group of about two dozen others who traveled about 120 miles from the campus in Charlottesville, Virginia, to Washington for the field trip Sunday. Police said Jones, a former member of the school’s football team, shot and killed three current team members and wounded two other students, one also a football player.

The shooting set off panic and a 12-hour lockdown of the campus until Jones was captured Monday just outside Richmond.

University President Jim Ryan said at a news conference Monday that authorities did not have a “full understanding” of the motive or circumstances of the shooting. Authorities said it was unclear how Jones was able to flee the shooting scene.

An initial court appearance for Jones was set for this morning. The prosecutor handling the case, Albemarle Commonwealth’s Attorney James Hingeley, said in an email that in addition to previously announced second-degree murder and firearms charges, Jones also faces two counts of malicious wounding and additional gun-related charges.

Online records did not list a defense attorney who could speak on behalf of Jones, who remained in custody Tuesday. If Jones is financially eligible for court-appointed counsel, an attorney will be appointed today, Hingeley wrote. The hearing may also involve a preliminary bail review, he said.

The university canceled classes and other academic activities Tuesday and made counselors and therapy dogs available to the university community.