Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats spoke to reporters a day after Crimson Tide player Darius Hairston Miles, 21, of Washington, DC, was one of two suspects arrested on capital homicide charges. Oats began his press conference by offering his condolences to the family and friends of victim Jamea Jonae Harris, the 23-year-old woman who was shot.
“I would like to start today by sending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jamea Jonae Harris,” Oats said Monday. “A young woman, daughter and mother who was snatched away from a senseless act far too young. This is an incredibly sad situation. Our hearts are with their loved ones. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to mourn.”
Miles was detained without bail, according to the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit. Miles was released from the team on Sunday.
Oats said staff brought the team together Sunday night.
“I thought it was important that we’re all here to support each other in this situation,” Oats said.
Oats said in his opening remarks that he could not add anything that has not already been communicated about the investigation as it is pending.
“You may have some questions, but there is nothing I can comment on regarding Darius’ situation and the investigation,” Oats said.
Another suspect, Michael Lynn Davis, 20, of Charles County, Maryland, is also facing murder charges and was also detained without bail. An email from the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit states that Davis is not affiliated with UA.
Oats said there were lots of hugs when the team met last night and everyone knows what services the university is offering to help the team deal with this situation.
What was Oats’ message to its players?
“It is truly a tragedy, especially for Jamea and her family,” Oats said. “I wish we didn’t have to address this situation, but we have to pull together as a team at this point and… really be there for each other.”
Oats was asked if the incident was limited to Miles or if other players were involved.
“All of our remaining team is traveling to Nashville and will be available for the game tomorrow,” Oats said.
Oats said he received a call about Sunday morning’s shooting. He immediately called Alabama Athletics Director Greg Byrne. Oats said the two have begun implementing their plan to deal with the situation.
According to the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, the shooting reportedly took place on the 400 block of Grace Street off University Boulevard and appears to be the result of a minor dispute between the victims and suspects.
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Officers from the Tuscaloosa Police Department and the University of Alabama Police Department were called to the scene of a reported shooting at approximately 1:45 a.m. near the Walk of Champions at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Responding officers contacted the driver of a vehicle who had called for help outside the stadium when they saw a UA police vehicle.
Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, did not specify Sunday who investigators believe pulled the trigger, but he said both suspects face charges because their actions led to Harris’ death.
The driver of the vehicle, not Harris, told officers the vehicle was shot and he fired back in self-defense, possibly hitting one of the attackers.
After speaking to witnesses and viewing CCTV, investigators said Miles and Davis were identified as suspects.
Miles had only played six games that season and missed time with both an ankle injury and what Oats described as “personal reasons” after the Mississippi State Game. Miles was ruled out for Saturday’s season with an ankle injury.
“He actually returned to DC to take care of that personal matter that he was away with for a couple of weeks,” Oats said. “He had the ankle injury which kind of lasted. He had several problems. They all had nothing to do with that incident on Sunday morning.”
NNick Kelly reports on Alabama football and men’s basketball for The Tuscaloosa News/USA TODAY Network. Reach him via email: [email protected] Follow him on Twitter: @_NickKelly.