University of Alabama basketball player Darius Miles is one of two suspects charged with capital murder in a fatal predawn shooting on the Strip in Tuscaloosa.
It was announced on Saturday that the youngster will be out for the season with an ankle injury.
A little over 24 hours later, Miles was taken to the Tuscaloosa County jail in handcuffs.
Miles, 21, appeared to be crying during an aisle, saying “I love you” and “I love you more than you can imagine” multiple times to someone standing outside the Tuscaloosa County Jail.
Both Miles, of Washington DC, and Michael Lynn Davis, 20, of Maryland, are charged with the murder of Jamea Jonae Harris, 23, of Birmingham.
The shooting happened on the Strip.
Neither Davis nor Harris were affiliated with the university.
Around 1:45 a.m. Sunday, Tuscaloosa police and University of Alabama police were dispatched to a shootout at the Walk of Champions at Bryant Denny Stadium.
A vehicle stopped there after sighting a University of Alabama police vehicle.
Harris was dead in the vehicle, said Jack Kennedy, captain of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes.
The driver, who has not been identified, told police his vehicle was hit by gunfire. The driver said he returned fire in self-defense and may have hit a suspect.
Investigators determined that the shooting took place on the 400 block of Grace Street off University Boulevard.
Kennedy said after speaking to several witnesses and looking at CCTV, they identified two suspects. Both were located and questioned.
One suspect was actually shot, Kennedy said, and has a non-life-threatening wound.
Darius Miles and Michael Davis are charged with capital murder in a fatal shooting on the Strip in Tuscaloosa on January 15, 2023. (Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit)
“It appears at this point that the shooting was the result of a minor argument that ensued between the victims and suspects after they met along the strip,” Kennedy said.
“The member agencies of the Violent Crimes Unit have used all their resources and worked flawlessly to bring this case to a speedy resolution,” Kennedy said.
Miles was on the bench in the Crimson Tide’s 106-66 win over LSU on Saturday.
Alabama forward Darius Miles (2) dribbles the ball against Jackson State on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at the Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo by Rodger ChampionCrimson Tide Photos/UA Athleti
Just before the game, the school announced that he would miss the rest of the season after suffering a preseason ankle injury. He appeared in six games this season before being sidelined to focus on rehabilitation from an injured ankle.
Miles’ profile on Alabama’s official athletics website was no longer active and the web address returned a 404 error.
He was one of the few players from last year’s squad to return as he started two of the 30 games he played as a sophomore.
On Dec. 28, Alabama coach Nate Oats said Miles was removed from the team “due to a personal matter.” “We’re not sure how long he’s going to be out,” Oats said after Alabama defeated Mississippi State in Starkville. “We support him and try to help him with that. That’s why he didn’t sit on the bench tonight. It’s a personal matter, it’s not an injury and we don’t know exactly how long he’ll be out for.” Miles was back on the bench on Saturday celebrated with teammates after the 40-point win over LSU.
UA Athletics released this statement after announcing Miles’ arrest:
“First and foremost, we extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the victim of last night’s incident. We have been made aware of the recent indictment against gym student Darius Miles and he is no longer a member of the Alabama men’s basketball team. Athletics, in collaboration with the university, is fully cooperating with this investigation.”
The University of Alabama released this statement on Sunday evening:
“The University of Alabama’s top priority is the safety and well-being of the campus community. We are saddened by the incident that took place near campus last night and offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim. We are grateful for the prompt and thorough response from law enforcement and emergency response teams and we will continue to give our full support to the ongoing investigation. Our attention has been drawn to the recent indictment of student athlete Darius Miles; He was removed from campus and is no longer a member of the Alabama men’s basketball team.
“The university offers extensive resources to support emotional and mental health. During the holidays, members of the campus community can call UAPD at 205-348-5454 to reach the dean for assistance or to connect with emergency counseling services. On weekdays, the Student Advice Center can be reached at 205-348-3863. Student Care and Well-Being can be reached at 205-348-2461, and faculty and staff can access the Employee Assistance Program at 800-925-5327.”
This story will be updated.