Settlement Awarded in the Former Tide Basketball Players’ Wrongful Death Case
In a case that has captivated the Alabama community and shaken the foundation of college athletics, a settlement has been reached in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Jamea Harris, a 23-year-old woman tragically shot and killed in January 2023 near the campus of the University of Alabama. The lawsuit, filed in June 2023, named several defendants, including former Alabama basketball player Darius Miles, his childhood friend Michael “Buzz” Davis, and even current NBA player Brandon Miller, who was a member of the Crimson Tide at the time. While the financial terms of the settlement remain confidential, the resolution brings a bittersweet sense of closure for Harris’ family as they continue to grieve the loss of their daughter.
The Tragic Night on The Strip
In the early morning hours of January 15, 2023, gunshots rang out near The Strip, a popular nightlife area near the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. What began as a night out turned deadly when Jamea Harris, seated in a vehicle with her boyfriend and another friend, was fatally shot. According to law enforcement, a dispute between Harris’ group and Davis escalated, leading to the shooting that took her life.
Authorities arrested Michael Davis at the scene. Darius Miles, a junior forward on the Alabama basketball team, was later arrested and charged with capital murder after police alleged he provided Davis with the firearm used in the killing. The arrest of Miles sent shockwaves through the college basketball world and placed intense scrutiny on the University of Alabama’s athletic program.
Miles was promptly dismissed from the team, and head coach Nate Oats and university officials released statements condemning the violence. The case quickly became one of the most high-profile legal controversies to involve active NCAA athletes in recent memory.
Brandon Miller’s Involvement
Adding further complexity to the case was the involvement of then-Alabama freshman phenom Brandon Miller, who would go on to become a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. During a preliminary hearing in February 2023, a Tuscaloosa detective testified that Miller had transported the firearm used in the shooting after receiving a text message from Miles requesting he bring it to the scene.
While Miller was never charged with a crime and maintained that he had no knowledge the weapon would be used, his presence became a lightning rod for criticism. Many questioned why Miller was allowed to continue playing for Alabama despite being so close to such a tragic event. The university and Coach Oats defended their decision, citing Miller’s cooperation with law enforcement and the absence of charges against him.
Nevertheless, the decision drew ire from media, fans, and legal experts, who believed the university placed athletic success ahead of accountability.
The Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In June 2023, Harris’ mother, DeCarla Cotton, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court seeking damages for her daughter’s killing. The suit named Davis, Miles, Miller, and the University of Alabama as defendants. It alleged negligence, recklessness, and willful disregard for the safety of others. The family claimed that Miles and Davis acted with “malice and conscious indifference,” and that the university failed to adequately supervise its student-athletes.
The complaint stated that Alabama’s athletic department, and by extension the coaching staff, should have known about the conduct of Miles and others, and failed to act in a way that could have prevented the tragedy. Attorneys for the Harris family argued that the basketball program fostered an environment where discipline and oversight were inconsistent, and that players were allowed to operate with little accountability.
Although criminal charges would determine the guilt of the individuals involved, the civil lawsuit pursued a different question: Who was responsible for creating the conditions that allowed this to happen? In civil court, the standard of proof is lower, and the Harris family hoped to hold those in power accountable through the legal process.
Settlement and Closure
After nearly two years of legal wrangling, the Harris family’s attorneys announced in early April 2025 that a settlement had been reached. The terms of the agreement were sealed, a common practice in civil cases of this nature, but sources familiar with the case said the settlement represented “a meaningful measure of accountability.”
“We will never get Jamea back,” said DeCarla Cotton in a statement. “But we hope this settlement sends a message that there are consequences for negligence, for indifference, and for ignoring red flags. Our daughter deserved better. She deserved to live.”
Attorneys for the University of Alabama did not admit liability but agreed to the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation and out of “respect for the family’s loss.” Brandon Miller’s legal team also issued a statement affirming his innocence, reiterating that he had no criminal intent or knowledge of what would occur the night of the shooting.
The university has not disclosed whether the athletic department or its insurance provider funded the settlement. Alabama officials emphasized that they have since taken “proactive steps” to improve oversight of student-athletes, including increased security protocols, education on conflict resolution, and behavioral monitoring.
Public Reaction
The settlement drew a wide range of responses from the public and media. While some praised the Harris family for holding powerful institutions accountable, others criticized the university and the legal system for allowing key players in the incident to avoid deeper scrutiny.
“There’s no amount of money that can bring back a life,” said legal analyst Kimberly Wright on a local news broadcast. “But what this settlement represents is recognition—from the institution and possibly from the individuals involved—that something went terribly wrong that night. And that someone, somewhere, failed to prevent it.”
Within the Alabama fanbase, emotions were mixed. Some remained supportive of Brandon Miller and the basketball program, citing the legal distinction between moral involvement and criminal guilt. Others believed the university’s handling of the situation reflected poorly on its leadership, and that more should have been done in the immediate aftermath to address concerns from the community.
Broader Implications for College Athletics
The Harris case has had a ripple effect on college sports across the country. Athletic departments are now reexamining how they handle off-court behavior, what kinds of education and intervention systems are in place, and how they respond when student-athletes are connected—either directly or indirectly—to incidents of violence.
Several SEC programs, including LSU, Georgia, and Tennessee, have announced new internal policies on athlete conduct, including stricter curfews, mandatory conflict de-escalation training, and revised travel protocols. The NCAA has also initiated discussions about creating a national code of conduct framework that member institutions would be encouraged to adopt.
“There needs to be a cultural shift,” said former college coach and ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg. “You can’t just focus on wins and ignore what these kids are doing off the court. They need guidance, they need structure, and yes, they need accountability.”
Remembering Jamea Harris
At the heart of this case is the loss of a young woman who had her entire life ahead of her. Jamea Harris, a mother, daughter, and aspiring nurse, was described by friends and family as joyful, kind, and fiercely devoted to her loved ones. Her death devastated her community in Birmingham, and the fight for justice became a mission for her family.
In the months following the shooting, a foundation was established in her honor to support young women pursuing careers in healthcare and to advocate for gun safety reforms. The Justice for Jamea foundation has raised thousands of dollars and garnered support from public figures and athletes alike.
“She wanted to help people,” said her mother. “Now we’re trying to help others in her name.”
Accountability and the Path Forward
The settlement in the wrongful death case of Jamea Harris marks a milestone in a long and painful journey. While the legal process cannot undo what happened that night in Tuscaloosa, it has forced a reckoning—not just for the individuals involved, but for the culture of college athletics that often prioritizes performance over responsibility.
As the University of Alabama looks to rebuild its reputation and other schools take heed of the cautionary tale, one truth remains clear: the life of Jamea Harris mattered. And the pursuit of justice in her name may help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In the end, this case is not just about basketball. It’s about values, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with representing something greater than oneself. The Harris family’s courage in seeking answers and accountability serves as a powerful reminder that behind every headline is a human being whose story deserves to be told—and remembered.
