Tim Heaphy talks about local crime, youth violence and legal cases in an in-depth interview

Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Tim Heaphy, former federal prosecutor, University of Virginia law professor and senior legal analyst, discussed several critical issues affecting the Charlottesville community, including youth violence and local legal cases. Heaphy’s findings concerned both rising crime rates among young people and significant ongoing court cases in the region.

Heaphy stressed the need for a holistic approach to tackling young people’s involvement in violent crime. “We also need to help stop young people from making these decisions… It takes a community, law enforcement… it takes a holistic approach,” he noted. Heaphy emphasized the importance of addressing systemic issues such as mental health and substance abuse to address the root causes of violence.

He also discussed the ongoing legal case surrounding the torchlight rally at UVA in 2017, stating that Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Hingeley had filed charges against those involved for using burning objects to incite fear. Heaphy remarked: “Jim Hingeley’s theory is that beyond speech there was expression in behavior and the torch was used to threaten and frighten people.”

With youth violence and litigation prevalent in the Charlottesville area, Heaphy called for collaboration between the community and law enforcement to address the underlying issues and ensure public safety.

Listen to the full conversation here: