UVA withholds report
The University of Virginia has declined to make public a completed report that details its response to last November’s fatal shooting on Grounds, despite saying the report’s findings would be made available as soon as early November.
The external review—requested by the university and its Board of Visitors—was completed on October 20 and sent to UVA. According to a press release from Attorney General Jason Miyares’ office, the independent review, conducted by outside counsel appointed by Miyares, details “the University’s response to the shooting, the efforts to assess the potential threat the shooter posed, and University safety policies and procedures.”
Both the attorney general’s office and UVA have declined several news outlets’ Freedom of Information Act requests for access to the report, citing attorney-client privilege. Additionally, the university has stated it will review the report for “factual accuracy” prior to releasing it.
Following a closed meeting by the Board of Visitors to discuss potential lawsuits and changes to safety practices on Grounds, some have speculated that UVA may be withholding the results of the external review to prepare for potential legal action that could come from the November 13, 2022, shooting, which resulted in the deaths of D’Sean Perry, Devin Chandler, and Lavel Davis Jr., and the injury of Mike Hollins and Marlee Morgan.
As of press time, the university had not released the report to the public.
Potential plea
According to a recent court filing, Albemarle County mom Eleanor Hunton Hoppe is considering a plea deal in the federal child pornography case against her. The possibility of a deal has delayed the next hearing in Hoppe’s case to December 12.
Hoppe was arrested on March 16 at a Warrenton motel during an FBI sting, and has been charged with distribution of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, and attempted transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity. She is being held without bond at the Correctional Treatment Facility in Washington, D.C.
Before her arrest, Hoppe was involved with and donated to several local child advocacy organizations, including ReadyKids and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge.
Beyond the disturbing details of Hoppe’s alleged crimes, her case has garnered media attention due to her family’s prominent social standing (she is the scion of the family that founded Richmond’s largest law firm, Hunton Andrews Kurth). Hoppe was married to federal judge Joel Hoppe, who gained full custody of the couple’s two young children after his ex-wife’s arrest. The couple divorced in 2021.
In brief
Seeking to serve
The City of Charlottesville is looking for residents and developers to help fill some important roles and responsibilities. Until December 8, community members can apply to serve on the city’s Human Rights Commission, which will soon have four vacancies. The city describes the HRC’s work as “advocat[ing] for justice and equal opportunity,” and the commission meets every third Thursday at 6:30pm. Developers face an earlier deadline of November 15 to submit affordable housing projects to the city.
Robbed for details
Three female suspects have been arrested in connection with a robbery and abduction that occurred near 1000 Ridge St. on November 5. According to the Charlottesville Police Department, no serious injuries resulted from the incident and all property was returned. The three suspects and the male and female victim reportedly knew each other. At press time, CPD has not released the names of the suspects.
To the curb
It’s that time of year again! Charlottesville’s Public Works department is making the rounds collecting loose leaves for composting. Since October 30, crews have been traveling around the city with a vacuum truck, collecting piles of curbside leaves, zone by zone. If you’re in Zone A and missed the first scheduled pick up, don’t sweat it—the pick-up crew will branch out to each zone three times this season. For those wanting to leaf through more information about the collection process and pick up times, visit charlottesville.gov/leaves
