FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2022
Commonwealth's Attorney: Shooting on Downtown Mall October 15, 2022
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - At approximately 5:15 p.m. on Saturday October 15, two juvenile males were shot near the parking lot of a Charlottesville hotel on the Downtown Mall. Due to the thorough and extensive work of the Charlottesville Police Department, three juvenile males have been arrested and charged in relation to the shooting. They are all in custody at the Blue Ridge Detention Center and face felony charges. Because the charged juveniles range in age from 14 to 17, their names are not being released at this time.
Over the last several months, there has been a concerning rise in violent crime, both locally and nationally. The Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has partnered with various law enforcement agencies to ensure that our city is kept safe-that is our primary responsibility. Charlottesville residents, families, visitors and business owners all deserve to feel protected and secure in our community.
If our office identifies individuals who make the choice to arm themselves and hurt others they will be arrested, prosecuted and incarcerated-regardless of their age.
Having said that, our response is a limited one. The criminal justice system is designed to be reactive, not proactive. It will take broad community partnerships to turn the tide and stem the violence. We have committed parents, teachers, coaches, mentors and faith leaders that can intervene and guide our youth, who are oftentimes struggling. This request for community assistance is admittedly not the norm, but neither are the times in which we are living. While we may not immediately prevail, with common purpose we must persist.
Please bear in mind that petitions alleging criminal conduct by juveniles are charging documents and not evidence of guilt. Each charged individual is presumed to be innocent. Our office will have no further comment on these prosecutions until final resolution of all cases.
Media Contact
Joe Platania
Commonwealth's Attorney
City of Charlottesville
platania@charlottesville.gov
434-970-3179