Photo Courtesy of Tuscaloosa Police Department
A University of Alabama basketball player from Washington D.C. has been charged with capital murder in connection to the death of a 23-year-old mother who was at The Strip in Tuscaloosa.
Darius Miles, 21, was charged with Maryland resident Michael Lynn Davis in the fatal shooting death of Jamea Jonea Harris. Early Sunday morning, Tuscaloosa and University of Alabama police responded to calls about gunfire at the popular hang spot. Upon the authorities’ arrival, police found Jamea shot inside a vehicle with an unnamed man. The driver divulged that he shot back at the suspects. The man alluded to one of the suspects being hit by gunfire.
University of Alabama police transported Jamea to a Tuscaloosa hospital, where she died later that morning.
Michael, 20, and the 23-year-old mother had no affiliation with the school.
On Sunday evening, footage of the basketball player’s arrest for capital murder was captured on video. The man cried as Tuscaloosa police took him away in handcuffs.
Reactions to the player’s arrest were shared on social media.
Darius, a junior, hadn’t played basketball for the school since December 20, for personal reasons, when the university played against Jackson State.
Head coach Nate Oats released a statement regarding Darius’ arrest.
“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.”
A press conference was held on Monday, according to CBS Local 42.
Oats expressed that he had spoken with Darius’ mother, and he also extended his condolences to Jamea’s family.
“I just want to start today by offering my deepest condolences to the family of Jamea Harris Young woman, daughter and mother, who was taken away way too soon by a senseless act. We’re keeping them in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to grieve. It’s really a tragedy all around. I wish we weren’t having to address the situation, but we have to pull together as a team at this point and be there for each other.”