Judge denies bond for ex-officer accused of murdering Susana Morales

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - A Gwinnett County  judge on Monday denied bond for a former Doraville police officer charged with the murder of 16-year-old Susana Morales.

Miles Bryant, 22, is accused of kidnapping and killing Morales as she walked home from a friend's house in July 2022.

"This defendant utilized his badge and his place of authority to commit felonies," said Brandon Delfunt, the Gwinnett County prosecutor on the case.

Susana Morales (Gwinnett County Police Department)

On Monday, his attorneys asked the judge to release him from the Gwinnett County Jail, where the ex-officer is currently being held. 

"Based upon conversations I've had with friends and family, as is always in a criminal case, there is another side to some of these allegations," said Tracy Drake, Bryant’s attorney.

Bryant's bond hearing lasted about 30 minutes. Prosecutors used that time to paint him as a danger if he were released. The District Attorney’s office said he had a history of breaking into or attempting to break into women’s homes.

Prosecutors say phone data shows he was in the area where Morales’ remains were found just hours after she was last seen and search history shows he searched "how long does it take a body to decompose."

Bryant’s defense attorney disputed those claims and said there are explanations. She fought for bond, but ultimately it was denied.

Former Doraville Police Department Officer Miles Bryant arrested in death of 16-year-old Susana Morales. (Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office)

"The state is speaking as if some of these facts are absolutes when they're not," Drake said. "They are the theory of the case."

Bryant also formally entered a not guilty plea.  

He faces four charges, including malice and felony murder.  

Morales' family did not want to comment after the judge denied bond.