A college basketball player has been arrested for the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old woman that took place near a university campus early Sunday morning (January 15).
Darius Miles, 21, alongside 20-year-old Michael Lynn Davis, allegedly shot at a vehicle around 1:45 AM following a suspected altercation with the victim in an area known as the strip near the university campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
As reported by ABC local news, the victim has been identified as 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris who was struck by a bullet and died as a result.
The driver of the car containing Harris drove along the road until it found a police vehicle, where they immediately requested assistance.
The 23-year-old was found deceased in the car, with the driver stating that he had returned fire to the car allegedly containing Miles in self-defense.
Per the New York Post, Miles was born in Washington DC and was a junior at the University of Alabama (UA) where he played for the college basketball team.
He was left out of Saturday's game against Louisiana State University due to an ankle injury he had sustained. Following his arrest, the University removed him from the team entirely.
In a statement, UA Athletics said: "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."
Miles was arrested alongside 20-year-old Michael Davis who does not have any relation to the University of Alabama. One of the men was struck by a bullet as a result of the other car returning fire. It is unconfirmed who was shot, but it is reported to be a non-fatal injury.
As cited by ABC, the university relayed this statement: "The University of Alabama’s utmost priority is the safety and well-being of the campus community. We are grieved by the incident that occurred near campus last night and extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
"We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of law enforcement and emergency response teams, and we will continue to fully support the ongoing investigation.
"We were made aware of the recent charge against student-athlete Darius Miles; he has been removed from campus and is no longer a member of the Alabama men’s basketball team."
The statement proceeds to say that the university is offering counseling services for students affected by the events.
Harris's mother, DeCarla Cotton, told AL.com: “She was a beautiful young woman who loved her family and most of all her five-year-old son Kaine. She was just trying to enjoy her weekend with her cousin that attends the University of Alabama and her boyfriend."
Her cousin, Kennedi Henderson, added that Harris was a "humble and happy soul" who pushed her cousins to "be the best [version of themselves]."
Henderson added: "The family and I are just in disbelief that something like this has happened to her. We just ask for prayers at this time."
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