Latest news with #BrandonMiller
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Former Alabama basketball player says New York Times should reveal source who falsely identified him in 2023 deadly shooting
ALABAMA (WHNT) — A former Alabama Basketball player believes the New York Times should have to reveal its source that falsely identified him at the scene of a deadly shooting in 2023. The Northern District of Alabama now has a decision to make. A federal judge says the Alabama Supreme Court has to decide if the Shield Statute applies to information published online by a corporation that publishes a newspaper. CLICK HERE for News 19's Interactive Radar 🌩️🌦️☔ Former UA basketball player Darius Miles and Michael Davis were charged with capital murder in a January 2023 shooting that led to the death of 23-year-old Jamea Harris. On May 9, Davis was found guilty of capital murder while Miles awaits his trial, which has yet to be set. On March 15, 2023, federal court documents say that The New York Times Company published an article on its website relating to this incident. The story itself garnered national interest because of the reported involvement of two Alabama basketball players, Miles and Brandon Miller. Miller was never charged in the incident. 'News reports citing police testimony of an unidentified passenger in Mr. Miller's car provided additional intrigue,' the document says. Billy Witz, a New York Times Reporter, published an article headlined 'A Fourth Alabama Player Was at a Deadly Shooting, in a Car Hit by Bullets.' In this article, the federal document says Witz identified UA Basketball player Kai Spears as the 'unidentified passenger' in the vehicle with Miller. At the bottom of the article, Witz reportedly attributed the information to a single, anonymous source. After the article was published and name-dropped Spears, the source told Witz that they were 'likely wrong' in identifying Spears as at the crime scene. 📲 to stay updated on the go. 📧 to have news sent to your inbox. In May 2023, Spears filed a lawsuit against The New York Times Company claiming the article was defamatory as well as false light invasion of privacy. Documents say the New York Times failed to use 'reasonable care in publishing and disseminating untrue statements about his presence at a crime scene and publicizing highly offensive false statements despite harboring serious doubts as to the reliability of its source and/or the source's information.' In the original lawsuit, Spears said on the night of the incident, Spears met up with two high school friends who went to Clemson University and were in town. The document said Spears lived in the athletes' dorm and his friends were going to sleep on the couch in the common area of the four-person suite. The night of the murder, Spears and his friends went out to eat, went back to the athletes' dorms and prepared to go out on the Strip, the retail and nightlife district directly off UA's campus, the lawsuit says. It also details a time frame of Spears and his friends movements from the evening of Jan. 14 to the morning of Jan. 15: JAN 14 – 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. – Spears and his friends bump into three other people who were going into Houndstooth Bar JAN 15 – 12:30 a.m. – Spears and his friends met up with Miller outside the bar where they all left to go eat at Moe's Original BBQ While there, Spears facetimed another UA basketball player. On this call, the other player and Miller asked Spears and his friends if they wanted to go out with them. 'Due to the lateness of the hour and [Spears' friends] planned trip back to Clemson University, [the three] declined the invitation with intentions to return immediately to Bryant Hall with no stops at any location.' 1:40 a.m. – Spears and his friends and Miller went their separate ways. 1:48 a.m. – In the parking lot of Bryant Hall, Spears facetimed Miller to see where they ended up going. In that process, Spears 'was informed that shots were fired at the windshield of Miller's vehicle.' 2 a.m. – Cooper Lee, UA basketball manager, called Spears to gather his thoughts at the dorm. 2:30 a.m.- 2:35 a.m. – Lee arrived at Spears room 4 a.m. – Spears went to the police station because the Tuscaloosa Police Department wanted to interview all the basketball players who were out that night According to the lawsuit, on March 15 around 3 p.m., Witz approached Spears and asked him, 'The night of the shooting, when you were in Brandon Miller's car, were you scared when the shots were fired?' To this question, Spears responded 'No comment,' per instruction from the UA Department of Athletics guidance. Florence Police K-9 catches man in crawl space Around 8 p.m. on March 15, the article stating Spears was in Miller's vehicle the night of the murder was published. The lawsuit says on March 20, Spears made a written demand that the New York Times retract the published statements claiming he was at the scene of the murder. However, the lawsuit says on March 25, the statements were not retracted from the article. On June 2, 2023, Lee emailed the New York Times to confirm that he was the previously unidentified passenger in Miller's vehicle at the time of the shooting. After this statement, the New York Times then updated the article, saying '[t]he original version of this article, published March 15, misidentified the person who was in the car with Brandon Miller when the shooting occurred,' according to federal court documents. On July 28, 2023, the New York Times Company motioned to dismiss both charges Spears filed against it. This motion, in relevance to the defamatory claims, that 'Because Spears Did Not Plead Special Damages, His Complaint Fails as a Matter of Law Unless the Challenged Statements Constitute Defamation Per Se,' and 'It is Not Defamatory Per Se to State, Even Erroneously, that Someone was a Bystander to, or Victim of, a Crime.' For the charge of False Light as to a matter of law, the New York Times Company said 'It is Not 'Highly Offensive' to Report Incorrectly that Spears Was in a Teammate's Car Shortly After He Actually Was in the Car,' and that 'The Complaint Does Not Plausibly Allege Actual Malice.' Trial begins Monday for Madison woman charged with child sex abuse, sodomy & bestiality in 2023 After some thought, On Dec. 6, 2023, a federal district judge granted in part and denied in part the New York Times Company's motion to dismiss: GRANTED IN PART: The motion was granted to dismiss the false light claim DENIED IN PART: The motion was denied to dismiss the defamation claim After some back and forth on whether the New York Times is obligated to reveal the source that falsely accused Spears as being at the scene, a federal judge told the Supreme Court of Alabama on May 22, 2025, that it had to decide whether the state's Shield Statute applies to a coorporation that publishes online and in a written publication. Mr. Spears has moved to compel the production of documents, to lift redactions on documents produced in response to his request for production, and to compel information redacted or withheld in The New York Times's responses to interrogatories. The New York Times opposes this motion based on its contention that Alabama's Shield Statute prohibits the 'compelled disclosure of newsgathering information.'' Federal court documents The document says that the New York Times defined 'newsgathering information' as including the identity of a source who provides information that it publishes as well as the identity of the source who corroborates some part of the published information.' Man accused of shooting, killing family member in altercation, police say The company says the statute applies to them because it is a newspaper and therefore the identities of sources are 'privileged.' In addition, the New York Times argues that Spears 'conceded that the information provided by its source(s) was ''published' within the meaning of Ala. Code § 12-21-142,' and therefore waived this issue.' However, the federal document says concessions of law are not binding on the court. This all being said, 'the court respectfully requests the Supreme Court of Alabama decide the question of whether the identity of a source whose information is published online by a corporation that publishes a newspaper is protected from compelled disclosure by a court.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Candice Miller's cryptic post a year after husband's suicide left her $33 million in debt
Influencer Candice Miller has shared her first Instagram post in nearly a year - breaking her lost social media silence after her husband's death by suicide. Miller, who ran the blog 'Mama + Tata' blog, was left saddled with nearly $34 in debt after her husband Brandon Miller took his own life in their sprawling Hamptons estate, reported the New York Post. On Monday night, the former influencer and socialite took to Instagram to share a photograph of the sun setting over the ocean. Accompanying the photograph was a quote by French existentialist philosopher Albert Camus. 'In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger – something better, pushing right back,' the mother-of-two captioned the photograph. Candice Miller is the widow of Brandon Miller, the property mogul who took his own life at the age of 43. The couple had two daughters together. She is a popular internet personality who ran the lifestyle mommy-blog 'Mama and Tata' with her sister Jenna Crespi. The Mama and Tata account had roughly 80,000 followers on Instagram. Miller is also the co-founder of the women's wear label Black Iris. In July 2024, Brandon died by suicide in the Hamptons home after secretly accumulating $33.6 million in debt. At the time, his bank account held just around $8,000. At the time of his death, his wife Candice and their two children were vacationing in Italy. Brandon Miller's death sent shockwaves through New York high society, especially since his wife documented their luxurious lifestyle on social media. Her feed was filled with photos from the parties she attended, their opulent homes, $250 private fitness sessions, trips on private planes and more.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Candice Miller Deactivates Instagram Again After Returning to Social Media Following Husband's Death
Candice Miller has gone radio silent on social media again, deactivating her Instagram account days after her brief return. Us Weekly confirmed on Thursday, June 5, that Miller's Instagram profile is no longer active. The shift came two days after Miller posted her first message on her page since her husband, Brandon Miller, died last summer. 'In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer,' Candice, 42, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, June 3. 'And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger — something better, pushing right back.' The Mama & Tata influencer also shared a photo of the sun peeking through cloudy skies hovering over a body of water, to set the scene. Socialite Candice Miller Rebuilding Her Life in Miami 6 Months After Husband Brandon's Death: Report The post was Candice's first since Brandon died by suicide in July 2024 at the age of 43. At the time, The Times reported that Brandon, a luxury real estate mogul, was found 'unconscious' in his Hamptons home and was transported to a Southampton hospital, where he later died. Candice and the couple's two daughters were on vacation in Italy when Brandon died. 'Candice is devastated by the loss of her soul mate, and her two young daughters' lives are forever impacted by the loss of their beloved daddy,' a family spokesperson told the New York Times in a statement in August 2024. The following month, Candice was sued for $195,000 in unpaid rent on the couple's Manhattan condo. According to court docs obtained by Us, Candice's lawyers argued she shouldn't be held responsible for the balance because her name was reportedly never on the lease. In December 2024, Candice filed court papers claiming that her late husband was $33.6 million in debt when he died. She alleged that she only had $8,000 in a bank account and was therefore unable to repay Brandon's outstanding loans. Amanda Batula and Ciara Miller Want Paige DeSorbo to 'Spread Her Wings' After Craig Conover Split The Times, however, previously reported that Candice benefitted from $15 million worth of Brandon's life insurance policies and sold their joint residence earlier that month. Earlier this year, Page Six reported that Candice was selling her belongings to offset some of the debt her husband left behind. The outlet reported in January that Candice was attending parties and events around the Miami Beach area and slowly rebuilding her life. TikToker Jennifer Sheffield Said She Felt 'Incredible' About Ex-Husband Before Apparent Murder-Suicide Two friends claiming to be close to Candice told Page Six that the mommy blogger had been spotted attending workout classes and seen out at dinners after relocating to Florida. Candice, however, has remained quiet on social media — and shut down her Mama & Tata blog — except for the one post earlier this month on Instagram. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mommy influencer announces new career as she emerges a year after husband's Hamptons suicide
A mommy blogger who vanished from social media after her husband took his own life at their $12million Hamptons mansion while drowning in debt has launched a new business endeavor. Candice Miller has returned to the spotlight and revealed she is now a certified professional life coach, 11 months after she first went quiet and wiped her popular Mama and Tata blog. The glamorous mother-of-two updated her Instagram bio section to share with her 84,000 followers the surprise new role. 'She who has a Why to live for can bear almost any How. CPC | Certified Professional Life Coach,' she wrote. Her return to work comes as she builds a new life away from the ritzy Hamptons scene that she and her husband were accustomed to, brimming with glittering parties, private plane trips and luxury cars. The 'Mama and Tata' page, which was also a lifestyle brand, frequently featured lavish displays of wealth like $800 facials and celebrity workout classes, helping her to amass a loyal following of aspirational viewers. The illusion of the glamorous life she led was shattered on the 4th of July weekend last year when her husband Brandon Miller's body was found inside his Porsche in the garage of the family home. He died of carbon monoxide poisoning while Miller and her two children were holidaying at a $2,000-per-night resort on Italy's Amalfi Coast, and his death was ultimately declared a suicide. Brandon died owing $33.6million, leaving just $8,000 in the bank. She has always maintained that she wasn't aware of her husband's finances or business dealings. Brandon ensured his family would still be taken care of despite his debts, taking out life insurance policies worth $15million which were paid out after his death. But some of that money could be swept up in legal fees and repayments as Miller works with lawyers to determine what debts she is on the hook for. She was sued for $194,881 in unpaid rent from the Park Avenue apartment in New York where she and her family had lived since 2021, but argued that she did not owe any money given she did not personally sign the lease. It's understood shortly after Brandon's death, Miller agreed to pay about $4million to settle a lawsuit over a separate loan. In all, her husband had taken out an estimated $20million in unsecured loans, the New York Times reported at the time. She sold the family home in the Hamptons in December 2024 for $12.8million. The home reportedly had five mortgages taken out on it, totaling nearly $12million. After the sale, she and her two daughters began a new life in Miami, living in a $10million condominium overlooking the ocean which has been loaned to her by her friend, Alexander von Furstenberg, son of fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. Far from hiding out and wallowing in misery, sources told Page Six she appeared to be thriving in the Miami scene. 'She's weirdly okay,' another socialite said. 'She's at parties and events and dinners. She's not sitting at home wearing all black with the lights off or anything. 'She's not shopping at Chanel every day. But, day to day, she is living life. She's residing in an expensive apartment that's been loaned to her by friends, She's going to dinners and places like the Four Seasons Surf Club and Casa Tua, working out, and traveling. 'Obviously, everything's changed. But, from what we see, it doesn't feel like anything's changed. She's not super laying low. That's for sure.' She first returned to social media on Monday evening, sharing a cryptic quote to her Mama and Tata Instagram page accompanied by a picture of a sun peaking through clouds over the water. 'In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer,' the caption read. 'And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger – something better, pushing right back.' The glamorous mother-of-two shared a cryptic quote to her Mama and Tata Instagram page on Monday evening, accompanied by a picture of a sun peaking through clouds over the water The cryptic statement was a quote from French philosopher and writer Albert Camus. Miller's return to social media was met with an influx of supportive messages from her loyal fans who have been patiently waiting 11 months for her to end her self-imposed exile. 'I'm a stranger to you but I pray for you and your girls often,' one fan said. 'So happy you're back,' another added.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Burger restaurant announces expansion in Dayton this fall
A local burger restaurant announced it will expand to a new location. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Koji Burger will take over the Jollity location at the 100 block of East Third Street this fall, the owners announced on social media. Chefs Brandon Miller and Zackary Weiner posted a video on the restaurant's Instagram page. 'Jollity isn't pivoting because you haven't been there to support us,' said Chef Weiner. 'You've been there to support us so much over the last four-and-a-half years, and it has meant the world to us. It's allowed us to figure out how to cook, how to grow as people, and we want to serve the community.' TRENDING STORIES: District reacts to death of recent high school graduate killed in crash Drivers have new option for gas as Sheetz opens new location Motorcyclist flown to hospital after crash involving farm equipment The owners said that Jollity 'is going to sleep' in its current form at the end of the summer. 'At that time, we'll close for a few weeks to remodel, rebrand, and reopen as a full-time Koji Burger,' the owners wrote on Instagram. This includes expanded hours, a bigger menu, a fresh bar program, and some surprises for customers, the owners said. Koji Burger is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Jollity's hours are 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
