No. 2 Alabama is one of the top teams in the country and a favorite to win the national championship.
It is also facing intense scrutiny over three players’ alleged involvement in the deadly shooting of Jamea Harris near campus early on Jan. 15. One-time reserve forward Darius Miles and another man are charged with capital murder.
And while Crimson Tide star Brandon Miller’s name has surfaced in official testimony as a potential witness and as a person who allegedly brought a gun to Miles, he has not been charged — and there’s no indication he will be. Police have said another player, guard Jaden Bradley, also was at the scene.
Despite this week’s new testimony and details in court, Alabama has so far kept up its winning ways. Here is what to know about the case as March Madness approaches.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Miles, who was swiftly dismissed from the team, and Michael Davis face capital murder charges for the shooting death of 23-year-old Harris. Tuscaloosa Police investigator Brandon Culpepper testified Tuesday that Miles texted Miller to bring him his gun and that Miles did so. Bradley was also at the scene, police said, and Miller’s and Bradley’s cars blocked the one Harris was in.
An attorney for Miller said his client never handled or saw the gun and wasn’t involved in getting it into the hands of Davis, who is accused of pulling the trigger. Miller’s attorney also said Miller’s car didn’t block the one Harris was in. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Bradley had an attorney.
WHO WAS JAMEA HARRIS?
Harris was from the Birmingham area and a mother of a 5-year-old son. Harris’ mother, DeCarla Heard, told WBRC in Tuscaloosa this week that Jamea Harris was “high-spirited, always the life of the party.”
“She was just always excited to be around family and friends and just have a good time,” Heard said. “She was a great person. She was a great mother to her son.”
Harris was killed early on a Sunday morning on the Strip, a popular student hangout near campus that features bars and restaurants. According to Miller’s attorney, as reported by AL.com, Miles, Davis and Harris were all at a nightclub, and Miles and someone with Harris “apparently exchanged words.”
Harris’ stepfather, Kelvin Heard, told AL.com that “this season is stained in Jamea’s blood … Coach Oats crossed the line (Tuesday). He said they prayed at practice. They weren’t praying for Jamea. They were praying for their own players.”
WHERE DID THE GUN COME FROM?
The gun belonged to Miles and had been left in the back seat of Miller’s car, according to Miller’s attorney. Police say Miles did not fire the shots.
HOW HAS ALABAMA REACTED?
