Darius Miles is a former basketball player for the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide. He was a highly regarded prospect and played as a forward for the team during the 2021-2022 season. Known for his athleticism, he averaged 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Miles’ college basketball career was cut short, however, due to legal issues.
In January 2023, he was arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the shooting death of Jamea Harris near the University of Alabama campus. Prosecutors claim that Miles provided a firearm to his friend, Michael Lynn Davis, who then used it during a confrontation that resulted in Harris being fatally shot. As a result of his arrest, Miles was dismissed from the Alabama basketball team.
Miles’ trial is scheduled to begin in December 2025, and he has pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming self-defense. He remains in custody while awaiting trial.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Darius Miles was born on October 9, 2001, in Washington, D.C. Raised in a working-class family, Miles’s mother was his primary caregiver. She played a significant role in his upbringing, providing him with the support and guidance needed to excel. While his father’s identity remains somewhat private, his mother ensured that Darius had the opportunities to pursue his dreams, especially in sports.
Ethnicity and Heritage
Miles is of African-American descent. Growing up in Washington, D.C., a city with a rich history of Black culture, Darius was influenced by the community’s values and the resilience of its people. These factors played a significant role in his determination and work ethic, qualities that helped him become an outstanding athlete.
Education and High School
Darius attended local schools in Washington, D.C., where he displayed a natural talent for basketball. His high school years were marked by his success on the court, making him a standout player in the D.C. area. He eventually attended St. John’s College High School, a prestigious school in Washington, where his basketball skills gained national attention.
At St. John’s, he was not just a basketball player; he was a star. His skills on the court, including his impressive jumping ability, ball handling, and versatility, made him a highly sought-after recruit. By the time he graduated high school, Darius was ranked as one of the top prospects in the nation.
College Basketball Career
Recruitment and College Decision
In 2020, after an impressive high school career, Darius Miles committed to play for the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide. As a forward, his height, athleticism, and skill set made him a natural fit for Alabama’s playing style. Coach Nate Oats and the Alabama basketball program saw Miles as a future leader for the team.
Performance at Alabama
Darius Miles’s college career began in 2021 when he played his freshman season with the Crimson Tide. Although his time on the court was relatively brief, he showed great potential. He played in 30 games during the 2021–2022 season, starting three. Miles averaged 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, contributing to the team’s success throughout the season. His raw athleticism, combined with his size, was often highlighted as one of the reasons why he was expected to become a major player for Alabama in the future.
His career at Alabama was cut short, however, due to his involvement in a tragic incident in early 2023. His arrest and subsequent legal troubles led to his dismissal from the basketball team and the university. While Miles had the potential to have a long and successful career in college basketball, these legal issues have overshadowed his athletic achievements.
Legal Troubles and Charges
Arrest and Capital Murder Charges
On January 15, 2023, Darius Miles was arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the shooting death of 23-year-old Jamea Harris. Harris was fatally shot near the University of Alabama campus during an altercation between her boyfriend, Cedric Johnson, and Michael Lynn Davis, Miles’s childhood friend.
According to prosecutors, Miles provided a firearm to Davis, who then used it during a confrontation. Harris was sitting in the passenger seat of her vehicle when a bullet struck and killed her. The case quickly gained media attention, and Miles’s arrest shocked the college basketball world.
Legal Proceedings
Darius Miles has pleaded not guilty to the charges, asserting that he acted in self-defense. The details of the case are still unfolding, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will progress. Miles’s trial is scheduled to begin on December 1, 2025, in Tuscaloosa Circuit Court. His trial is expected to last approximately one week, and it will likely focus on determining whether his involvement in the incident was as a mere accomplice or if he acted in self-defense as he claims.
In May 2025, his co-defendant, Michael Lynn Davis, was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The case continues to have significant ramifications for both the legal system and the basketball community.
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Darius Miles’s family has been supportive throughout his legal troubles. His mother, who raised him as a single parent, has stood by him during the proceedings, maintaining that her son is innocent until proven guilty. There have been few details revealed about his father, but it’s clear that his mother played a pivotal role in his life and his journey toward success in sports.
As for his personal life, Miles has a girlfriend, Skylar, who has been by his side throughout the difficult time. Skylar has shown support for Miles, attending hearings and expressing belief in his innocence.
Net Worth and Salary
Before his arrest, Darius Miles was poised to earn a significant salary should he have progressed into a professional basketball career. His college contract, while not lucrative like professional contracts, would have been enough for him to live comfortably. However, due to the nature of his arrest and his removal from the University of Alabama’s team, his financial future has been uncertain.
As of 2025, Miles’s net worth is largely speculative, but it’s estimated to be in the range of $100,000 to $500,000—primarily from endorsement deals, basketball contracts, and personal assets accumulated during his brief college career.
Conclusion
Darius Miles’s life is a story of promise, rise, fall, and ongoing legal battles. From his early years in Washington, D.C., to his time on the court at Alabama, Miles demonstrated remarkable athleticism. However, his legal troubles have overshadowed his basketball career, and his future remains uncertain as his trial approaches in 2025. Whether he will be acquitted or convicted will have lasting implications not only for his life but also for his legacy in the world of college basketball.
As the case continues to unfold, the public waits for answers, and the legal system will determine the course of his life. Darius Miles’s story is a cautionary tale of how quickly one’s life can change, even for those with bright futures ahead.
FAQs
What was Darius Miles’s role at Alabama?
Darius Miles played as a forward for the University of Alabama’s basketball team. He showed great promise during his freshman season, averaging 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
What is Darius Miles’s current legal status?
Darius Miles is currently awaiting trial for capital murder. His trial is scheduled to begin in December 2025.
What charges does Darius Miles face?
Miles is charged with capital murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Jamea Harris in January 2023.
Who is Michael Lynn Davis?
Michael Lynn Davis is the co-defendant in the case. He was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole in May 2025.
Has Darius Miles been dismissed from the University of Alabama?
Yes, following his arrest, Miles was dismissed from both the Alabama basketball team and the university.
What happened during the shooting incident?
Miles allegedly provided a firearm to Davis, who used it during a confrontation with Cedric Johnson. The shootout led to the fatal shooting of Jamea Harris.
What are the upcoming legal proceedings for Darius Miles?
Darius Miles’s trial is scheduled to begin in December 2025, where he will face charges related to the shooting death of Jamea Harris.
Who is Darius Miles’s girlfriend?
Darius Miles’s girlfriend is named Skylar, and she has been supportive throughout his legal troubles.
How long did Darius Miles play for Alabama?
Darius Miles played for Alabama for one season during the 2021–2022 basketball season before his career was cut short due to his arrest and legal issues.
