A new statement from former University of Alabama basketball player Darius Miles was released regarding his murder charge in Wednesday’s fatal shooting at the Strip.
Court records made public Wednesday show that Miles retained attorneys Mary Turner, Kayla Griffin and Grace Prince of Turner Law Group to represent him on the allegations.
Earlier this week, attorneys William White, Clayton Tartt and Suzanne Norman of Bowles Homes White LLC released a statement from Miles that said he was “heartbroken” over the death of 23-year-old Jamia Joanna Harris and maintained his innocence. Kept
Here is the full coverage of the case
On Wednesday, Turner said Miles was unaware of the previous statement being issued on his behalf.
After meeting with Miles and his family, Turner Law Group released this statement:
โDarius, his family and all of us at Turner Law Group would like to first express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Jamia Joanna Harris. This is a sad and tragic situation and we extend our condolences to all who have been hurt by his death. Darius is distraught by the situation and deeply saddened by Ms. Harris’ death.
“Darius is also saddened by any negative light shed on the University of Alabama, his coaches, his teammates and his family, all of whom have been a positive influence in his life. Darius and his family appreciate all who have shown concern Showed up, prayed and tried to help her during this difficult time and asked that everyone keep Ms. Harris’ loved ones in your prayers.
“In light of statements made by the media and others who were not present or otherwise have a personal interest in the outcome of this case that contradict the limited evidence previously released by local law enforcement, we all decide to withdraw encourage.”
Turner has requested a preliminary hearing for Miles but it had not been set as of Wednesday night.
Attorney William White said his firm’s attorneys spent Sunday with Miles’ family and White spoke with Miles by telephone.
White described Miles’ family as disheartened over the situation and said he assisted in drafting the first statement.
White said that it is technically correct that Miles himself did not know that a statement was being issued.
“The family felt it was important to express their condolences immediately,” White said.
The family interviewed other attorneys and hired Turner Law Group.
“We’re glad she found advice she’s comfortable with,” White said. “That’s what’s important.
Miles, 21, is one of two suspects charged with murder in Sunday morning’s fatal shooting.
It was announced on Saturday that the junior forward was ruled out for the season due to an ankle injury. Following news of his arrest, it was announced that Miles was no longer on the team.
Miles and Michael Lynn Davis, 20, of Maryland, both of Washington DC, are charged with the murder of Harris, 23, the mother of a young son.
Neither Davis nor Harris was affiliated with the university.
Harris was visiting her cousin and boyfriend in Tuscaloosa for the weekend.
At approximately 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, Tuscaloosa police and University of Alabama police were dispatched to the Walk of Champions at Bryant Denny Stadium for a shooting.
A jeep stopped there after seeing a University of Alabama police vehicle. Harris was dead inside the vehicle, said Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Capt. Jack Kennedy.
Harris’ boyfriend, who had driven Harris from the scene of the shooting, told police that their vehicle had been hit by gunfire. He had fired in self-defense and may have hit a suspect – believed to be Davis.
Investigators determined that the shooting occurred in the 400 block of Grace Street at University Boulevard.
Harris’s mother DeCarla Hurd told AL.com The ordeal began with the suspects trying to talk to Harris, who told them she had a boyfriend and was not interested.
Court records state that Davis fired the fatal shot, and that Miles admitted to providing the gun to Davis.
