Alabama Basketball Player Darius Miles Charged With Capital Murder
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Not even 24 hours after after it was announced that University of Alabama men’s basketball player Darius Miles would be out for the season, he was charged with capital murder by Tuscaloosa police.
No bond is posted at this time.
Miles, 21, is one of two men charged in the fatal shooting that took place near the bar area on University Boulevard known as "The Strip."
The other is Michael Lynn Davis, 20, of Maryland.
The victim has been identified as Jamea Jonae Harris, 23, of Birmingham.
Monday morning, Miles' attorneys from Boles Holmes White LLC released a statement maintaining Miles' innocence in the incident.
"Darius Miles and his family are heartbroken tonight over the death of Jamea Jonae Harris," the statement said. "While Darius has been accused of being involved with this tragedy, he maintains his innocence and looks forward to his day in court. Our firm's own investigation is ongoing, and no further statement will be made at this time."
Tuscaloosa Police responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 1:45 a.m. to the Walk of Champions at Bryant-Denny Stadium, where the driver of a vehicle had stopped seeking assistance from a University of Alabama police officer.
The victim was inside the vehicle, already deceased. The shooting had taken place on Grace Street, off University Blvd.
"The driver reported that their vehicle had been shot into, and that he had returned fire in self-defense, and may have struck a suspect," said Capt. Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit.
Following eyewitness accounts and video surveillance, police were able to identify the suspects, who were subsequently located and interviewed. One of the suspects had been struck by a bullet, and had a "non-life-threatening wound."
"It appears at this time that the shooting was the result of a minor argument that occurred between the victims and suspects after they encountered each other along the strip," Kennedy added.
Neither Davis, nor the victim, had any association with the school.
Miles was a junior at Alabama and was in his third season for the Crimson Tide. He only played in six games this season due to the aforementioned injury.
Just yesterday, it was announced that Miles would miss the rest of the season to focus on rehabbing an ankle injury he suffered during the preseason.
Alabama coach Nate Oats said on Dec. 28 that Miles was away from the team “with a personal matter.” However, he was on the bench during Alabama's dominating victory 106-66 over LSU on Saturday at Coleman Coliseum.
Alabama athletics issued a statement:
"First and foremost, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim from last night's incident. We were made aware of the recent charge against student-athlete Darius Miles, and he is no longer a member of the Alabama men's basketball team. Athletics, in conjunction with the University, is fully cooperating with this investigation."
Oats is expected to hold his usual press conference on Monday afternoon, as the Crimson Tide is set to visit Vanderbilt on Tuesday night (7:30 CT, SEC Network). Alabama was No. 4 in last week's AP Top 25.
The university issued the following statement:
"The University of Alabama's upmost priority is the safety and well-being of the campus community. We are grieved by the incident that occurred near campus last night and extend our deepest condolences to the victim's family and friends.
"We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of the law enforcement and emergency response teams, and we will continue to fully support the ongoing investigation. We were made aware of the recent charge against student-athlete Darius Miles; he has been removed from campus and is no longer a member of the Alabama men's basketball team.
“The University offers comprehensive emotional and mental health support resources. Through the holiday, members of the campus community can call UAPD at 205-348-5454 to reach the dean for support or to connect with emergency counseling services. On weekdays, the Counseling Center is available for students at 205-348-3863. Student Care and Well-Being can be reached at 205-348-2461, and faculty and staff have access to the Employee Assistance Program by calling 800-925-5327.”
Tuscaloosa Police Department
Tuscaloosa Police Department
