Alabama coach Nate Oats speaks after Darius Miles murder charges

Alabama basketball coach Nate Oates spoke to reporters about former player Darius Miles He faces murder charges in the killing of Jamea Harris.

Miles, who was a small forward on the team, and Michael Lynn Davis, who is not affiliated with the college, are suspects in the shooting death of 23-year-old Harris due to an incident in a Tuscaloosa area called “The Strip”. “

“I just want to start by offering my condolences to the family and friends of Jama Junai Harris, a young woman, mother, and daughter who was taken so early from a senseless act,” Oates said in a prepared statement. “This is a very sad situation. Hearts go out to their loved ones. I am keeping them in my thoughts and prayers as they continue to grieve.”

Oates said he could not comment on more details of the criminal investigation beyond what has already been revealed. He said the team has been getting together and trying to maintain routine and structure, and that he has spoken with Miles’ mother several times since the accident.

“It really is a tragedy all around, especially for Jamia and her family,” Oates said of his message to his players. “I hope we don’t have to address this situation, but we have to come together as a team at this point and… really be there for each other.

Miles and Davis are accused of opening fire on a car Harris was in. One of the suspects was reportedly injured after someone in her car returned fire.

Harris He leaves behind a five-year-old son.

“This is a really difficult situation, and we will continue to support each other as we process this and balance the school and basketball,” Oates said. “To that end, we regrouped this morning to maintain our routine and some structure in the midst of this situation and will be training before heading to Nashville for the Vanderbilt game.”

Surveillance video recorded on a nearby Ring camera He captured the chaotic scene as passersby fled.

“At this time, it appears that the only motive was a minor altercation between these individuals and the victim while they were out on The Strip,” Tuscaloosa Police Chief Jack Kennedy told reporters.

The University of Alabama said in a statement Sunday that Miles is no longer with the basketball team.