College of Alabama basketball star Brandon Miller equipped gun to teammate utilized in deadly taking pictures, police say

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — College of Alabama basketball star Brandon Miller introduced a teammate the gun that was utilized in a deadly January taking pictures close to campus, an investigator testified Tuesday.

Miller, a freshman standout, introduced Darius Miles’ gun to him on the night time of the taking pictures 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 night time of the Jan. 15 taking pictures got here throughout a preliminary listening to for Miles and Michael Davis, who face capital homicide expenses for the dying 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 informed reporters Tuesday the group has been conscious that Miller allegedly introduced Miles the gun, however the group’s main scorer shouldn’t be in “any sort of bother.” He has began each recreation because the taking pictures.

Miller was simply in “the improper spot on the improper time,” Oats stated, later clarifying what he termed his “unlucky remarks” after receiving criticism on social media.

“We’ve recognized the scenario,” Oats stated in a information convention Tuesday. “We’ve been totally cooperating with regulation enforcement all the time. I imply, the entire scenario is simply unhappy. The group closed follow with a prayer for the scenario immediately, figuring out that we had this trial immediately. You consider Jamea and her household,” Oats stated.

Miller has not been criminally charged. A group consultant didn’t instantly know if Miller had an lawyer.

“We knew about that,” Oats stated. “You’ll be able to’t management all the pieces everyone does outdoors of follow. No person knew that was going to occur. School children are out. Brandon hasn’t been in any sort of bother, neither is he in any sort of bother on this case. Just like the improper spot on the improper time.”

Oats acknowledged in his later assertion that these remarks “got here throughout poorly” and sought to make clear,

“We have been knowledgeable by regulation enforcement of different student-athletes being within the neighborhood, and regulation enforcement has repeatedly informed us that no different student-athletes have been suspects,” Oats stated. “They have been witnesses solely. Our understanding is that they’ve all been totally truthful and cooperative.

“By no means did I intend to downplay the seriousness of this example or the tragedy of that night time. 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 decide.

The taking pictures 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 stated.

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 taking pictures, however Davis fired the weapon.

Culpepper stated Tuesday that Miles informed Davis the place his gun was in Miller’s automobile.

Prosecutors and protection attorneys introduced diverging accounts of the taking pictures. Chief Deputy District Legal professional Paula Whitley informed the choose that there was ample proof to proceed with the case in opposition to Miles and Davis.

A protection lawyer recommended throughout Tuesday’s listening to that Miles was reacting defensively when he informed Davis the place the gun was positioned.

“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 call on the bond request.

Each Davis and Miles wiped away tears as their moms’ took to the stand to testify that they might ensure their sons would comply with guidelines if granted bond.

After courtroom, Harris’ mom informed reporters that she is annoyed by the give attention to basketball when the taking pictures claimed the lifetime of her daughter.