GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A judge has denied a request for a new trial for Miles Bryant, a former police officer convicted of killing 16-year-old Susana Morales in 2022.
Bryant was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for Morales’ death. He appeared in court in February to request a new trial.
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Morales’ family had been waiting more than a month for a decision. This week, they got their answer: no.
“I think we just kind of feel numb and we’re angry,” said Morales’ sister, Jasmine Perez.
Bryant’s attorneys had argued he deserved a new trial, claiming his original trial attorney allowed damaging testimony and was prevented from making key arguments during closing statements.
They also argued his trial attorney was ineffective, even calling her to testify.
“I probably should have objected more, but I was trying to temper with not being the nasty defense attorney to the jury,” said trial attorney Tracy Drake.
Judge Tamela Atkins ultimately denied the request for a new trial.
For Morales’ family, the ruling doesn’t ease their pain.
“I just feel like we already entered enough in the trial. I feel like there was enough evidence during the trial,” Perez said.
Bryant’s legal team has now appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court, which will decide whether he will get a new trial or remain in prison for life.
For Morales’ family, the legal fight continues, but so does their grief.
“I know that that day she was on the way home… so it just makes me angry,” Perez said.
There is no timetable for when the Georgia Supreme Court may take up the appeal.
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- Ex-officer charged in Gwinnett teen’s disappearance, murder declines plea deal
- ‘I just want to apologize:’ Former officer gets life in prison for murder of 16-year-old girl
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