OT: UVA shut down with triple murder suspect at large

Submitted by Mr. Elbel on November 14th, 2022 at 8:02 AM

Scary day here in Charlottesville. Police are currently performing a campus-wide search for a former UVA football walk-on who is suspect to have killed 3 people and injured 2 others around 10:30 last night on campus. The school is on a shelter-in-place order as the search continues. My kids’ middle and high school are closed today. I work for UVA Health and have been told to stay home today as our clinic is closed. I get UVA text alerts and have about 50 texts in the past 9 hours or so. We have friends who can see the police lights from the shooting from their house. They’re within maybe 300 yards of it.

As a native of Flint, it’s a bit surreal to me that they’re closing down much of the city for a shooting suspect, but I am glad that they are taking it so seriously. Prayers up for my community this morning and hope that the situation can be resolved quickly and without any additional violence.

BlueDad2022

November 14th, 2022 at 8:16 AM ^

In addition to being a Michigan dad my second is at UVA.   Safe in his house fortunately but I have the same 50 text alerts as well which definitely ratchet up the nerves.   Glad you are ok.

WestQuad

November 14th, 2022 at 8:27 AM ^

People usually murder people they know.  Murderers are usually only mad enough at 1-2 people to actually kill them.  When you get to 3 (with 2 injured) it seems like you've crossed a line and are now just arbitrarily killing people.  Probably why they have the mass shooting designation and are so locked down.  This dude is obviously out of control.

Cruzcontrol75

November 14th, 2022 at 9:18 AM ^

several cars were stolen near Grand Blanc, a security guard exchanged fire in that incident.  1 stolen car collided while exiting I-75 Joslyn exit and 1 thief died in that incident.  2 thieves made it onto OUs campus, abandoned the car and were spotted and hid near Meadowbrook.  Oakland County sheriff has assets on ground and in the air.  

I have a friend that teaches in their PA program and i contacted him.  Initial announcement from OU around 7a was that "campus activities would resume at 10am".  i was confused since suspects were still at large?  They’ve since told students not to come to campus.

MaizeAndBlueWahoo

November 14th, 2022 at 10:20 AM ^

Yes, just read that.  And Dontayvion Wicks and Mike Hollins hospitalized.

Shocking to have watched these guys play like hell for the past couple years and then see it end for them this way.

EDIT - Wicks is OK and not in the hospital; Hollins is, and the identity of the other injured victim is unknown as of now and may not be a football player.

jclay 2 electr…

November 14th, 2022 at 9:58 AM ^

Devin Chandler, a WR who transferred from Wisconsin, is the third victim. 

i watched the (alleged) shooter play twice in high school against my friends son who lived the next town over. This is kinda surreal. 

softshoes

November 14th, 2022 at 10:26 AM ^

I'd lay odds they find him dead. People who get to that point in their lives more often than not do give a shit if they live through it.

Just a hunch. No stats to back it up.

mi93

November 14th, 2022 at 10:55 AM ^

As a parent of college students whose campus has had nearby incidents, lockdowns are very appreciated.

I also know of some of other of our Michigan fam who have students at UVa.  Thoughts around.

Stay safe Mr. Elbel.

J_Dub

November 14th, 2022 at 11:32 AM ^

So sad.

I am supposed to fly to Charlottesville for the football game and to watch my UVA-grad wife enjoy reminiscing on The Lawn.  I wonder if the team will elect to cancel.  Coastal Carolina probably didn't seem like a big game at the beginning of the year but they are now ranked and I bet many on the team were looking for a win/ silver lining to a tough season.  Such a tragedy for these players.

BlueDad2022

November 14th, 2022 at 11:46 AM ^

This is just so tragic.  Went to the Miami and UNC games and even in a losing effort watching these kids play their hearts out is a great joy.   It’s incomprehensible why someone would do this.  Thoughts and prayers for their families and the football team.

 

 

Blue Vet

November 14th, 2022 at 11:50 AM ^

This is terrible. With friends who teach at UVa, and even being a guest teacher, I know how special the place is. But it would be bad anywhere. Prayers for their families and the community.

EDIT: I checked in with my friends at UVa. The players were killed after a field trip (for an African American theater class, to a play in DC) led by a colleague of my friends.

jhayes1189

November 14th, 2022 at 11:52 AM ^

As a born native of Virginia, it being my childhood state, and with tons of family about 1 hour outside of Charlottesville,  I hate to hear my home state yet again has another college campus shooting incident. Prayers to all involved. Virginia is supposed to be for lovers. 

True Blue Grit

November 14th, 2022 at 12:04 PM ^

This is horrible.  My wife, daughter, and I were just in Charlottesville in October to see the campus and parked in that public garage.  It's right on the edge of campus with university buildings all around it.  But it's pretty far from the football facilities I think.  

My prayers are with the victims, their famiies, and everyone else affected by this senseless act.  

Mr. Elbel

November 14th, 2022 at 2:08 PM ^

It is nearby a lot of the athletic facilities, including practice fields and JPJ, but the actual stadium is down at the southern part of campus. This is right in the heart of campus, not at all far from The Lawn or The Corner. I actually work part time for a restaurant at the Barracks Rd Shopping Center which is just a little further down the road and have to go in tonight. I drive right past this area on my way home. I’m not in town right now but going in later will be weird I’m sure with all the police presence.