Darius Miles releases new statement, unaware of previous statement on his behalf, per his lawyer

After news broke of former Alabama men’s basketball player Darius Miles’ arrest on capital murder charges, his lawyer released a statement attributed to him saying he “maintains his innocence.” Late Wednesday night, a report from AL.com said Miles didn’t know about that statement.

Miles and his family met with Turner Law Group regarding the situation. AL.com reported the initial statement came from Boles Holmes White LLC, and Miles is represented by the new firm, according to court records.

“Darius Miles and his family are heartbroken tonight over the death of Jamea Jonae Harris,” read the initial statement, which was released Sunday from Boles Holmes White LLC. “While Darius has been accused of being involved with this tragedy, he maintains his innocence and looks forward to his day in court.”

Turner Law Group released a new statement Wednesday confirming Miles was unaware of the previous one.

“Darius, his family, and all of us at Turner Law Group first and foremost want to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Jamea Jonae Harris,” Turner Law Group’s statement read. “This is a tragic and sad situation and our hearts go out to all of those who have been hurt by her death. Darius is distraught over this situation and deeply saddened by the death of Ms. Harris.

“Darius is also saddened by any negative light shed on the University of Alabama, his coaches, his teammates and his family, all of whom have been positive influences in his life. Darius and his family appreciate all who have shown their concern, offered prayers and tried to help him during this difficult time and asks that all keep Ms. Harris’s loved ones in your prayers.

“In light of statements made by the media and other people who were not present or otherwise have a personal interest in the outcome of this case that are contrary to the limited evidence previously released by local law enforcement, we encourage everyone to withhold judgment.”

Miles is facing capital murder charges for his alleged involvement in a shooting over the weekend that killed Jamea Jonae Harris. Court records obtained by AL.com showed Miles provided the gun that Michael Davis used. The incident occurred in the early hours Sunday morning and Miles was seen leaving the Tuscaloosa City Jail later that day.

Capital murder is a charge that carries severe consequences. If Miles is convicted on capital murder, in the state of Alabama, he faces the possibility of life in prison without parole or even the death penalty.

Capital murder is only charged in situations with special circumstances. In this case, the charge rose to that level because of a law in Alabama that allows for capital murder to be charged if the murder is “committed by or though the use of a deadly weapon while the victim is in a vehicle,” according to Alabama Criminal Code Title 13A-5-40.