GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – Opening statements in the murder case of a 16-year-old girl in Gwinnett County are expected to commence on Wednesday following the conclusion of jury selection on Tuesday evening. The defendant in this case is reported to be an ex-police officer.
Jury selection began on Monday, leading to the selection of 12 jurors and alternates. The trial is set to be livestreamed by 11Alive once it officially begins, offering viewers insight into the proceedings.
The case revolves around the disappearance of Susana Morales in the summer of 2022, with her remains being discovered months later in the woods. The allegations against Miles Bryant, a former Doraville police officer, include accusations of disposing of Morales’ body in the woods.
Police investigations revealed a timeline suggesting that Bryant may have been involved in Morales’ death after she visited a friend on July 26, 2022. The case has raised unsettling details surrounding Morales’ disappearance and subsequent death.
Currently, Bryant is in jail and has been denied bond on two occasions, the most recent being in May 2023. Authorities have released a tentative outline of events following his arrest, shedding light on the circumstances of Morales’ disappearance and demise.
Despite the developments in the case, questions remain regarding Bryant’s connection to Morales and the events leading to her tragic end. Chief James D. McClure of the Doraville Police Department has highlighted previous incidents involving Bryant, hinting at potential patterns of behavior that could provide insight into the case.
As the trial progresses, the focus will be on unraveling the details of Morales’ disappearance and finding justice for her and her loved ones. The proceedings are expected to shed light on the events leading up to her death, aiming to bring closure to a tragic chapter in Gwinnett County’s history.