The family of Jamea Jonae Harris, a young woman who was fatally shot on the Tuscaloosa strip near the University of Alabama campus, has recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against three men. Among the defendants is Brandon Miller, a former Alabama star and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. The other two accused individuals are former Alabama player Darius Miles and Michael Davis, both of whom are currently facing capital murder charges in connection with Harris’ untimely demise.
Decarla Raietta Heard, Harris’ mother and the representative of her estate, filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama Western Division. She is seeking a jury trial to award damages. Heard is being represented by attorneys Kirby D. Farris and Malia D. Tartt from the Farris, Riley & Pitt law firm in Birmingham, Alabama. The complaint alleges that the defendants “knew or should have known that bringing a dangerous weapon to a dispute and discharging said weapon would likely result in harm.” Furthermore, it contends that as a result of the defendants’ negligence or wantonness, Harris suffered serious injuries leading to her death.
Unlike Miles and Davis, Brandon Miller has not been charged with a crime in relation to the shooting. Miller, who is currently a rookie with the Charlotte Hornets, signed a lucrative four-year contract worth $49 million in July. According to a police investigator’s testimony, Miller was present at the scene of the fatal shooting, and the gun allegedly used in the crime was found in the back of Miller’s car. However, Miller’s attorney, Jim Standridge, vehemently denies his client’s involvement, stating that Miller had no knowledge of any intent to use the weapon. Standridge affirms that Miller neither touched the gun nor had any part in its exchange, nor did he possess any knowledge of any illegal activity involving the firearm.
The Pursuit of Truth
Attorney Kirby D. Farris expresses the Harris family’s desire for transparency and a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded on that tragic night. They seek testimony from all three individuals involved, aiming to uncover the truth about their actions, words, and observations. Farris emphasizes that the family wants a thorough investigation into how and why the gun was brought to the scene, ultimately leading to their daughter’s death. Only after evaluating the evidence will they be able to establish each individual’s degree of culpability, if any.
Farris notes that one can be held liable in a civil action without necessarily being found guilty of a criminal offense. This highlights the distinction between the two legal realms. In response to the lawsuit, Michael Davis’ attorney, John Robbins, states that while he hasn’t yet reviewed the complaint, Davis will take the appropriate measures to defend himself in both the civil and criminal cases. Farris confirms his firm’s communication with the defense attorneys representing Miles and Davis, as well as the legal counsel representing the Charlotte Hornets.
Brandon Miller addressed the shooting incident with reporters in March, acknowledging the devastating loss suffered by Harris’ family. He expressed his understanding that a loved one was tragically taken away from them that fateful night. Miller’s words reflect a sense of empathy for the family’s immense grief and the gravity of the situation at hand.
The wrongful death lawsuit filed against former Alabama star Brandon Miller and two others sheds light on a tragic incident that has left a family in anguish. While the lawsuit seeks justice and accountability, it also emphasizes the importance of uncovering the truth behind the events leading to Harris’ untimely death. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on discerning the degree of responsibility each individual may bear and determining the extent of the damages to be awarded.
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