Paula Whitley made clear her office’s work wasn’t done.
Tuscaloosa County’s chief assistant district attorney had just won her case this past Friday, convincing a jury to convict Michael “Buzz” Davis of capital murder for the shooting death of Jamea Harris. Answering questions minutes after the conviction on the seventh floor of the Tuscaloosa County courthouse, Whitley expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the case. But she conveyed a message not of finality.
“We believe this is partial justice for Jamea,” Whitley said. “It’s not over.”
Whitley didn’t mention ex-Alabama basketball player Darius Miles by name, but he’s the other man charged in this case. Davis was convicted of shooting into the Jeep that carried Harris near the Strip in Tuscaloosa on Jan. 15, 2023. Davis’ attorney, John Robbins, did not successfully argue self-defense.
Miles, who has not been tried yet, was the owner of the gun. Mary Turner, Miles’ attorney, has previously stated in court that Miles provided the gun to Davis for protection.
Davis will appeal the ruling of capital murder with a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, but the biggest question that looms after the five-day trial is: What does this mean for Miles?
Darius Miles’ status
Miles has been in jail since the day of the shooting more than two years ago. Multiple times, his lawyers have tried to get Miles let out on bond. But two different judges have said no. Bond in capital murder cases is rare in Alabama.
Miles does not yet have a trial date set. That could soon change now that Davis has been found guilty.
Turner did not respond to a request for comment from AL.com after the Davis verdict.
Miles was removed from the Alabama men’s basketball team the day he was arrested.
