Brandon Miller testifies he was nearly shot while at Alabama in '23

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller took the witness stand Thursday in the capital murder trial of Michael Lynn Davis, offering a detailed account of the January 2023 shooting in Tuscaloosa that killed 23-year-old Jamea Harris. 

Miller, who played at Alabama and was later selected No. 2 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, testified he was nearly struck by bullets fired into his car during the incident.

Miller has not been charged with any wrongdoing but was called as a key witness to the events. He testified that he unknowingly delivered the gun used in the shooting, which belonged to his then-teammate Darius Miles. Text messages presented in court showed Miles had requested the weapon via Miller. However, he said he had no idea the gun would be used in the fatal encounter.

Prosecutors played dashcam footage from Miller's car, which captured audio of Davis asking if the gun was loaded and Miles replying, “You know it is.” Moments later, Davis fired shots, two of which hit Miller’s vehicle. Miller and his passenger, Cooper Lee, quickly fled the scene, unaware at the time that Harris had been fatally shot.

Miller expressed shock and reiterated that he never knew Davis’ intentions. He later met with police and has fully cooperated with investigators. 

This marked the first time Miller had publicly addressed the shooting in detail. Despite the tragic circumstances, Miller continued with his basketball career, joining the Hornets later that year. His testimony shed light on the events leading to the deadly encounter and how he's lucky to be alive to recount the incident. 

If convicted, Davis could face life in prison. It is considered a capital murder case in Alabama because Harris was inside a vehicle when she was shot.

Miller is expected to return for training camp after suffering a season-ending wrist injury in January.