Alabama basketball star Brandon Miller’s freshman brought his then-teammate Darius Miles the gun used in a fatal shooting of a 23-year-old woman Jan. 15, an investigator said Tuesday, according to multiple local reports. Miles and another man have been charged with capital murder in connection with the shooting.
Michael Lynn Davis of Maryland, 20, allegedly pulled the trigger in the shooting, according to court records.
According to law enforcement, Miles wrote to Miller to bring Miles’ gun to the scene, and it was switched in Miller’s car, the reports say. Jaden Bradley, the Alabama freshman guard, was also reportedly at the scene.
Alabama coach Nate Oats said Tuesday he had known of Miller’s presence since the incident came to light and that Miller “didn’t have any issues.”
“We knew that. Cannot control everything anyone does outside of the practice. Nobody knew that was going to happen.” Oats said to reporters. “College kids are out, Brandon hasn’t been in any trouble, nor is he in any trouble in this case. In the wrong place at the wrong time.”
In a statement released Tuesday night, Oats clarified what he called his “unfortunate remarks” he made earlier in the day.
“We were informed by law enforcement that other student athletes were in the vicinity and law enforcement have repeatedly told us that no other student athletes were suspects – they were only witnesses. Our understanding is that they have all been absolutely honest and cooperative,” the statement said.
“It was in no way my intention to downplay the seriousness of this situation or the tragedy of that night. My prayers continue to go out to Jamea Harris’ family.”
The shooting happened near the off-campus entertainment district called “The Strip” in Tuscaloosa, police said. Davis is accused of shooting a car in which Jamea Jonae Harris, mother of a 5-year-old son, was a passenger. Harris’ friend, the driver of the car, told police he returned fire in self-defense.
Miles and Davis’ attorneys have reportedly asked for their clients to be released on bail, claiming they shot in self-defense. The judge has reportedly not yet decided whether they will be granted bail or whether the case will be referred to a grand jury.
Miles – a junior forward who was ruled out for the season because of an ankle injury just before shooting – was removed from the team following his arrest, the school said at the time.
Miller is expected to play the lottery in the 2023 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-9 forward leads No. 2 Alabama in averaging 18.7 points per game and adding eight rebounds.
(Photo: Marvin Gentry / USA Today)