From: jcs
The tragic death of Yardley Love, a 22-year-old sports scholar and star lacrosse player at the University of Virginia, highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence . Her former boyfriend, George Huguely V, was the primary suspect in her murder, which occurred on May 3, 2010 .
Background of Individuals and Relationship Dynamics
Yardley Love
Yardley Love was a 22-year-old sports scholar and a key player on the University of Virginia’s lacrosse team . She was captured in a photograph playing in her second-to-last game, a picture that later became a symbol for the “One Love Foundation” founded in her memory .
George Huguely V
George Huguely V, also 22 years old, was Yardley’s ex-boyfriend . He came from a wealthy American family with roots in the lumber industry dating back to the 1900s . He attended Landon Prep, a prestigious all-boys private school with annual tuition fees of up to $50,000, where he was a star lacrosse player and an All-American athlete . His athletic achievements led to a full scholarship at the University of Virginia, where he continued to be a key player in the starting lineup .
Relationship History
George Huguely and Yardley Love dated for almost two years . Their relationship was described as “on-again off-again,” marked by mutual cheating and frequent temper flares . Yardley ended the relationship in 2010, just two weeks before her graduation . Nine days later, she was found dead .
The Crime and Investigation
Discovery of the Crime
On May 3, 2010, at approximately 2:15 AM, Yardley’s roommate returned to their off-campus apartment to find Yardley’s bedroom broken into . Yardley was found unresponsive on her mattress, with blood coming from her nose and severe bruising on the right side of her face . Her friend called 9-1-1 and attempted CPR, which paramedics continued upon arrival, but Yardley was pronounced dead at 2:47 AM .
The Investigation
Criminal investigator Lisa Reeves was alerted at 2:53 AM and arrived at Yardley’s apartment by 2:59 AM to lead the investigation . By 3:50 AM, George Huguely V was identified as the first person of interest .
Interrogation and Confessions
Detective Lisa Reeves interviewed George Huguely on May 3, 2010, at 7:52 AM . George appeared oblivious to the gravity of the situation, seemingly believing he was in minor trouble . He was advised of his Miranda rights, which he waived .
George’s Account
During the interrogation, George confessed to:
- Initiating the confrontation with Yardley, stating he went to talk to her about her sleeping with another lacrosse player from North Carolina .
- “Chok[ing] her a little bit” when she became aggressive .
- “Wrestling her on the floor” and being “a little bit persistent” .
- Punching a hole through her bedroom door to gain entry, which caused bruising on his hand .
- Grabbing her neck during the “commotion,” though he denied strangling her .
- Taking her laptop “as a collateral” because he was “so pissed that she wouldn’t talk to me” .
He initially claimed Yardley was hitting her head against the wall , but later struggled to explain how she sustained a “pretty good knot on her head” . He denied hitting her with anything .
Revelation of Death
Detectives revealed to George that Yardley was dead . George initially denied knowing, then expressed shock and disbelief, repeatedly saying, “She’s not dead” and “I didn’t kill her” . He speculated that her death might have been due to head trauma . He asked for a lawyer at 33:55 .
Trial and Sentencing
George Huguely V pleaded not guilty to murder and was held without bond for almost two years before his trial began on February 6, 2012 .
Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution argued that Huguely broke into Love’s apartment, entered her bedroom, and struck her, causing the blunt force trauma that led to her death . Evidence showed that Huguely exchanged “playful text messages” with three other women late into the night, even after the alleged attack .
Key Testimonies
- Michael Burns: A former UNC lacrosse player testified that he once heard yelling from Huguely’s apartment and found Huguely with his arm wrapped around Love’s neck, choking her . Love then ran out crying .
- Medical Experts: Agreed that Love’s death resulted from blunt force trauma to the head .
- Yardley’s Neighbors: Described hearing loud noises, likening them to a “stereo cabinet crashing to the ground,” indicating a violent death .
Defense’s Argument
The defense contended that George Huguely never intended to kill Yardley, arguing it was a “tragic accident” . They sought a lesser charge and a second chance, rather than a life sentence .
Verdict and Sentence
The jury found George Huguely V guilty of second-degree murder . They recommended a 26-year prison term . Judge Edward Hogshire reduced the sentence by three years, resulting in a 23-year prison term . With credit for time served and good behavior, Huguely could be released in 18 years .
Aftermath and Impact
George Huguely was incarcerated at the maximum-security Augusta Correctional Center for 10 years and has since been transferred to a prison Work Camp in Richmond to serve the rest of his sentence . The consensus in the media is that while Huguely may not have intended to kill Yardley, his 23-year sentence is appropriate, if not lenient, and his intoxication is not an excuse for his actions . He is expected to be released at age 45, affording him a second chance at life that Yardley was denied .
Yardley Love’s family stated, “We find no joy in other sorrow. We are relieved to put this chapter behind us” . A non-profit organization, the “One Love Foundation,” was established in Yardley’s memory to spread awareness about social psychology and preventative education concerning relationship violence .