TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — College of Alabama basketball star Brandon Miller introduced a teammate the gun that was utilized in a deadly January capturing close to campus, an investigator testified Tuesday.
Miller, a freshman standout, introduced Darius Miles’ gun to him on the evening of the capturing after Miles texted him and requested him to take action, Tuscaloosa Police investigator Brandon Culpepper testified, in response to information shops.
The allegation of Miller’s involvement on the evening of the Jan. 15 capturing got here throughout a preliminary listening to for Miles and Michael Davis, who face capital homicide fees for the loss of life of 23-year-old Jamea Harris.
Former Tide participant Miles is accused of offering his gun to Davis, who fired it and killed Harris, prosecutors say.
Alabama coach Nate Oats advised reporters Tuesday the group has been conscious that Miller allegedly introduced Miles the gun, however the group’s main scorer will not be in “any sort of hassle.” He has began each recreation because the capturing.
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Miller was simply in “the mistaken spot on the mistaken time,” Oats mentioned, later clarifying what he termed his “unlucky remarks” after receiving criticism on social media.
“We’ve recognized the scenario,” Oats mentioned in a information convention Tuesday. “We’ve been absolutely cooperating with regulation enforcement your complete time. I imply, the entire scenario is simply unhappy. The group closed apply with a prayer for the scenario as we speak, figuring out that we had this trial as we speak. You consider Jamea and her household,” Oats mentioned.
Miller has not been criminally charged. A group consultant didn’t instantly know if Miller had an lawyer.
“We knew about that,” Oats mentioned. “You may’t management the whole lot everyone does outdoors of apply. No one knew that was going to occur. Faculty children are out. Brandon hasn’t been in any sort of hassle, neither is he in any sort of hassle on this case. Just like the mistaken spot on the mistaken time.”
Oats acknowledged in his later assertion that these remarks “got here throughout poorly” and sought to make clear,
“We had been knowledgeable by regulation enforcement of different student-athletes being within the neighborhood, and regulation enforcement has repeatedly advised us that no different student-athletes had been suspects,” Oats mentioned. “They had been witnesses solely. Our understanding is that they’ve all been absolutely truthful and cooperative.
“Under no circumstances did I intend to downplay the seriousness of this case or the tragedy of that evening. My prayers proceed to exit to Jamea Harris’s household.”
The 6-foot-9 Miller is the largest star of the second-ranked Tide group that had its first AP Ballot No. 1 rating in 20 years final week. He’s projected to be an NBA Draft lottery choose.
The capturing occurred on the Strip, a enterprise district of bars and eating places that cater to college students close to the Tuscaloosa campus. Harris was sitting within the passenger seat of a automobile when she was struck by a bullet, police mentioned.
Investigators wrote in a courtroom doc that Miles, who had been a junior reserve ahead on the group, admitted to offering the gun used within the deadly capturing, however Davis fired the weapon.
Culpepper mentioned Tuesday that Miles advised Davis the place his gun was in Miller’s automobile.
Prosecutors and protection attorneys introduced diverging accounts of the capturing. Chief Deputy District Legal professional Paula Whitley advised the choose that there was ample proof to proceed with the case towards Miles and Davis.
A protection lawyer prompt throughout Tuesday’s listening to that Miles was reacting defensively when he advised Davis the place the gun was situated.
“The explanation that the gun was offered to Michael Davis was for cover,” Mary Turner argued.
Protection attorneys requested for Davis and Miles to be launched on bond. District Decide Joanne Jannik didn’t instantly situation a choice on the bond request.
Each Davis and Miles wiped away tears as their moms’ took to the stand to testify that they might make sure that their sons would comply with guidelines if granted bond.
After courtroom, Harris’ mom advised reporters that she is pissed off by the concentrate on basketball when the capturing claimed the lifetime of her daughter.
“She has a 5-year-old son that’s nonetheless ready for his mom to come back house,” DeCarla Heard advised reporters. “I need justice for my grandson.”
