Susana Morales' Murderer Guilty: He is given life in prison

Miles Bryant Hears His Sentence This Wednesday
Former Police Officer Killed Susana Morales
Victim’s Family Witnesses the Verdict

In an emotionally charged afternoon, former Doraville police officer Miles Bryant was found guilty of the murder of Susana Morales, a 16-year-old girl whose tragic fate moved the entire community.

The Gwinnett County jury’s verdict was read shortly after 7:30 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, sealing Bryant’s fate with a series of severe sentences.

Bryant was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping, and false reporting of a crime.

However, he was acquitted of the charge of criminal attempt to commit rape.

Murderer of Susana Morales, Guilty and Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

Susana Morales' Murderer Guilty, Miles Bryant, life sentence, Susana Morales, MundoNOW — Susana Morales’ Murderer Guilty / PHOTO: MundoNOW Archive

During the sentencing hearing, Susana Morales’ younger sister addressed the court, struggling to hold back tears. Her voice, laden with pain and gratitude, echoed through the room.

«All I ever wanted was justice for what happened to her. I want to thank you for that,» she said, according to local news outlet Fox5 Atlanta.

Superior Court Judge of Gwinnett County, Tamela L. Adkins, tried to console the girl: «I am very sorry that you lost your sister.»

Susana’s older sister also spoke, describing the devastating impact that the loss of her teenage daughter had on their mother, who has lost 25 pounds since the tragic event.

With a trembling voice, Susana’s mother, María Bran, addressed the court through a translator.

«Every night I cannot sleep without thinking about her,» Bran said, detailing the terror and anguish she has experienced since learning what happened to her daughter.

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«I know that none of this will bring her back or take away the pain,» she added with palpable sorrow.

Judge Adkins, visibly moved, also consoled Susana Morales’ mother.

«I cannot imagine the torture and pain you have endured. Susana did not deserve this,» the judge stated, moved by the family’s suffering.

Special Prosecutor, Brandon Delfunt, left no doubts about the seriousness of the crime.

«He is a monster, the thing that scares you in the night. He is a predator,» he declared, requesting the maximum penalty for Bryant: life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Bryant’s attorney, pleading for mercy due to his client’s youth, failed to sway the court. Ultimately, Judge Adkins sentenced Bryant to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the murder charges.