Susana Morales: Abducted and Murdered by Stalker Cop

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The tragic story of Susana Morales, a young girl who went missing and was later found murdered, has shocked many. Her case highlights serious issues in the investigation process and raises important questions about safety and justice. In this article, we’ll explore the details of Susana’s disappearance, the following investigation, and her case’s impact on the community.

Vanished on Her Way Home: Susana Morales’ Mysterious Disappearance

Born on June 24, 2006, 16-year-old Susana Morales was a freshman at Meadow Creek High School, where she was a beloved cheerleader. Known for her kindness, love for music, and infectious smile, she enjoyed singing and playing various instruments, including piano, guitar, and ukulele. She also loved reading and cherished her close relationship with her family. Susana was the youngest of 4, living with her mom, Maria Brown, and stepdad.

She had recently started working at McDonald’s with Maria and on the day she vanished. They returned home from work together and after a shower, Susana declined her mother’s dinner of fish, opting instead to visit her best friend, Esmeralda “Rose” Castillo, at her Sterling Glen apartment for wings.

Leaving around 6 pm, Maria briefly checked in via phone, receiving only a text confirming Susana’s safety. Later, around 9:40 pm, she called to arrange a pick-up but received no response, and her repeated calls went unanswered, raising alarms as the teen was always reliable. Calls to Susana’s best friend and her boyfriend, Axel Zaragoza, revealed she wasn’t with either of them.

Unable to sleep, Maria began searching at 6 am, eventually contacting the Gwinnett Police Department around 9 am. Frustratingly, they insisted on a 48-hour waiting period before filing a missing persons report, dismissing concerns that the girl was not one to run away or ignore calls.

Frantic Search for Missing Teen: Family’s Desperate Efforts Met with Police Inaction

With no help from the police, the family initiated their own search. Using a phone locator app, the family pinpointed Susana’s last known location in the woods between 10:21 and 10:26 pm. They suspected she had been in a car due to the short time frame involved, but the police remained indifferent. The family distributed flyers and utilized social media to spread awareness and seek assistance.

Suddenly, a breakthrough came when they obtained footage showing Susana walking towards her neighborhood after 10 pm, just minutes away from home. Despite presenting this evidence to the police, they continued to refuse help, dismissing the family’s pleas to inform the public of her disappearance.

Undeterred, the family worked tirelessly for a month to keep her story alive within the community. Telemundo Atlanta covered the disappearance on July 28th, reaching the Hispanic community. TikTokers joined the effort, raising awareness on social media.

Finally, on August 29th, over a month after her disappearance, the police released a statement claiming they had exhausted all leads and now required public assistance, adding:

While any missing juvenile is considered endangered, at this time, there was no indication that Morales is in any specific danger, and it is not believed that she is being held against her will.

This announcement came after the family’s relentless efforts to keep the case in the public eye. The police’s delayed acknowledgement of the missing girl’s case, seemingly due to mounting public pressure, raised serious concerns. Despite her phone being off for over a month—an unusual occurrence for teenagers—and the start of a new school year, the police appeared to downplay the situation. The lack of contact with her boyfriend and the silence surrounding her disappearance further fueled the family’s anxieties.

Undiscouraged, they continued their relentless search for answers. For months, the family tirelessly searched day and night, following up on numerous tips, all of which proved fruitless. Eventually, the police requested dental records and DNA samples, sparking fears that they were no longer looking for a missing person but rather a deceased one.

Susana Morales Discovered in Barrow County Woods

On February 6, 2023, Matthew Gilbert was driving his Suzuki Samurai off-road through the woods in Barrow County when stopped to take a phone call. While wandering around the area, he stumbled upon a human skull and scattered bones, immediately contacting 911. Once they arrived, he guided them to the remote location off I-316.

Body cam footage captured the chilling discovery of Susana’s remains. The crime scene was secured, and a thorough search commenced. The following day, under daylight, investigators meticulously examined the scene, uncovering a Glock-19 mm handgun hidden under brush. Upon tracing the serial number, they determined it was stolen and registered to 22-year-old Miles Bryant. This revelation opened a new chapter in the investigation, raising questions and potential connections to the missing girl’s case.

After an agonizing wait, detectives contacted the family to confirm a devastating discovery: Susana’s body had been identified through dental records. Shattered, the family’s grief was compounded by the unsettling observation of a black truck repeatedly slowing down near their home, adding to their suspicions and unanswered questions.

Susana Morales Cause of Death

Due to the advanced decomposition of Susana’s remains, the medical examiner could not determine her cause of death. Miles’ attorney highlighted this uncertainty, suggesting a possible drug overdose and emphasizing that the prosecution’s case lacked direct evidence, relying solely on circumstantial evidence to connect Bryant to her death.

A Life Shaped by Love and Loss: Miles Bryant Georgia

Adopted by his devoted mother, Tracy, after the tragic loss of her cousin to HIV, Miles Bryant was raised in a loving and supportive home. However, the comfort of his upbringing may have inadvertently cultivated a sense of entitlement within him. He excelled in football and dreamed of a career in law enforcement.

Following service in the Army and National Guard, Miles Bryant became a police officer in Doraville, Georgia, aspiring to lead the Crime Suppression Team (CST)—a specialized law enforcement unit that focuses on proactively addressing crime and improving public safety.

He lived with his girlfriend, Sanovia Parks, whom he had known since elementary school, for eight months at his Sterling Glen apartment until their relationship soured. As a courtesy officer at the complex, he regularly patrolled the area, noting frequent drug use among local youth while prioritizing the safety of all residents.

On July 27, 2022, the day Susana disappeared, he and his girlfriend had a heated argument after he was caught cheating. She angrily approached his truck, prompting him to speed off, initiating a brief chase until he lost her. Frustrated, he drove around the area to calm down.

Stolen Gun and Curious Circumstances: Miles Bryant’s Connection Emerges

Two hours after Susana’s disappearance was reported to county police, Miles filed a report claiming his black F-150 truck had been broken into, even though no windows were damaged, admitting to leaving the door unlocked. He claimed his gun, wallet, and military ID were missing and that he suspected the theft occurred while the vehicle was parked at his apartment complex.

Miles appeared overly confident, jovial, and cooperative during the interaction with the reporting officer. However, a peculiar detail emerged: the gun was separated from its holster, an unusual occurrence for a typical theft. Miles expressed a desire to solely report the gun stolen without further investigation.

This request struck the officer as odd, raising further suspicions regarding the circumstances surrounding the stolen firearm. Unbeknownst to Miles at the time, this stolen firearm would eventually lead investigators to his door after a Glock-19 mm handgun was discovered near Susana’s remains.

On February 13, 2023, police surrounded Miles in a non-threatening manner, surprising him as they strategically portrayed themselves as merely questioning a random patrol officer about the missing girl case, capitalizing on Mile’s role in the neighborhood. He appeared very nervous, talkative, oversharing random details. Eventually, officers requested that he come to the station to provide additional information about the case, clarifying that he was not a suspect but a potential witness.

A Calculated Interrogation: Police Deceive Miles Bryant in Crucial Interview

During the interview, the detectives maintained a casual and friendly demeanor, exchanging jokes with Miles to disarm him. Unbeknownst to him, he was inadvertently recounting events leading up to Susana’s disappearance. He asserted his familiarity with the neighborhood’s youth due to his patrol duties yet admitted to minimal interaction with them.

He denied ever meeting or seeing Susana, claiming his knowledge of her case came solely from social media and rumours of an argument with a heavyset black man prior to her vanishing. Interestingly, Miles Bryant mentioned calling his girlfriend to inform her about the discovery of the missing girl’s body, a detail that would later prove significant in the investigation.

The female detective—lead investigator—employed a flirtatious approach, playfully addressing Miles broken glasses while subtly examining them for potential evidence. As the conversation progressed, they engaged in seemingly casual small talk about guns, the military, and other topics. When questioned about the abandoned holster, he nonchalantly explained finding it in his car with the gun missing. They mentioned Miles’ dismissive comment about not prioritizing the search for his stolen gun, raising further suspicions.

However, the detective skillfully steered the conversation towards a specific location, repeatedly asking Miles if he had ever parked and patrolled there in his black truck. He consistently denied it. Smoothly, the detective revealed video footage clearly showing a black truck parked at the very intersection he had just denied frequenting. While feigning a belief in coincidence, the detective’s true intention was to elicit an admission from Miles Bryant regarding the truck’s ownership. Despite the mounting evidence, he continued to deny any connection to the vehicle.

The interview took a dramatic turn when the detective confronted Miles Bryant with the discovery of his reported stolen gun near Susana’s remains. His initial shock and heightened alertness were palpable as he questioned the validity of the claim. The detective confirmed the serial number match, intensifying the tension in the room. She then cunningly suggested a connection between the stolen gun incident and Susana’s murder, implicating an unknown perpetrator rather than Miles himself. This tactic aimed to alleviate his suspicions while extracting further information.

His demeanor remained confident and talkative, often providing excessive details to certain questions. He consistently redirected the conversation towards his girlfriend’s alleged hostile actions that night, seemingly to avoid discussing his patrol route. He described being chased by his girlfriend in her car, eventually losing her, and admitting to driving up I-85 to escape her, ending up in Lawrenceville—a new detail, crucially near where Susana’s body was found. Realizing his potential proximity to the crime scene, the detective strategically changed the subject, asking about his career as a police officer.

Mile’s demeanor perked up, and he became talkative again. However, when the topic of Lawrenceville resurfaced, he once more deflected, focusing on the argument with his girlfriend. When shown a picture of Susana, he remained unfazed, pretending not to recognize her. The detective’s keen observation of his body language and subtle deflections further solidified their suspicions.

Unmasking the Deception: Detective Confronts Miles Bryant with Damning Evidence

The interview reached a pivotal moment when the detective inquired about Miles familiarity with the wooded area where Susana was found and any potential reason for him to be there. He vehemently denied ever venturing into those woods. She then presented his phone records, revealing his presence in the vicinity of Susana’s body.

The records indicated he had been parked in the area for a considerable time, and the detective questioned if he had stopped there. Miles initially claimed to have been on the phone with his girlfriend, but the detective finally dropped the facade and exposed the truth. The phone records definitively placed Miles at the scene of the crime, with two calls made near the location where Susana’s remains were found, just three hours after her last sighting on camera.

Faced with this undeniable evidence, Miles Bryant stumbled, resorting to the claim of mere coincidence. Shifting tactics, the detective revealed a past incident involving Miles’ attempted entry into another girl’s apartment. While he admitted to being there, he denied any intention of breaking in. The detective then astutely observed a pattern in his behavior, highlighting his tendency to portray himself as a victim in every situation.

Visibly shaken, Miles responded, “What do you mean?” feigning ignorance of Susana’s address. The detectives presented a picture of his truck parked near her house, a revelation that further unraveled his composure. Despite the evidence, he continued to deny any presence near the location.

The interrogation intensified as the female detective disclosed Bryant’s 67 phone calls, focusing on two made on July 30th. One was a blocked call to himself, testing the feature, while the other was to a hotline claiming to have found the number on Instagram. He sought information about the case, but only received details he already knew. The operator mentioned Susana walking home from a friend’s house, a location he was familiar with, and her phone crashing.

Questioned about his inaction as a courtesy officer, Miles Bryant failed to justify his anonymous hotline call for such a serious case involving a missing teenager. He claimed to have mistaken Susana for an adult, a feeble attempt to downplay his curiosity.

Finally, the detectives informed him of the impending search warrant for his home and vehicle, emphasizing that Susana’s belongings should not be found there. This statement, laden with underlying implications, left Miles with a stark realization of his deteriorating situation. The detectives then directly asked if he killed Susana, to which he replied with a resounding no.

They pressed further, questioning why he would dump her body in the woods, which he vehemently denied. Sensing his growing despair, Miles inquired, “Am I going home tonight?” The officer’s cryptic response, “We’re working on that,” amplified his anxiety. Ultimately, he was arrested for concealing a death and filing a false report.

Escalating Charges and Disturbing Revelations about Susana Morales: Miles Bryant’s Dark Past Unveiled

Police alleged Miles Bryant had disposed of Susana’s naked body in the woods and falsely reported his gun stolen. After his arrest, the City of Doraville released a statement:

The City of Doraville was notified the afternoon of Monday, February 13, that a now former police officer was being served felony arrest warrants by Gwinnett Police Department in connection with the disappearance and murder of Susana Morales. The City of Doraville and the Police Department are fully cooperating with the Gwinnett Police Department in its investigation of Miles Bryant. Our prayers rest with the family and friends of Susana Morales and everyone else affected by this tragedy.

Susana’s family was shocked by the news, having no prior knowledge of Miles. As the investigation progressed, other women came forward with chilling accusations of stalking and threats against him.

On February 22nd, the Gwinnett Police Department announced that Miles’ charges had been upgraded to felony murder and kidnapping. He was denied bond during a February 23rd court appearance, deemed a danger to the community.

Further investigation unearthed a disturbing pattern of behavior. In early March, Miles Bryant was charged with burglary for a 2019 incident where he broke into a woman’s apartment, unbeknownst to him, her security cameras captured the intrusion. He had never been given her address.

Miles returned to court in handcuffs, his family visibly distressed. The prosecutor painted a disturbing picture of a man who abused his power as a police officer to engage in sexually deviant acts, including breaking into women’s homes, stealing underwear, and accessing their private videos. Despite his pleas for a reduced bond, it was denied, revealing the extent of the danger he posed to the community.

Trial Revelations: Witness Testimony Contradicts Bryant’s Claims

The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as Miles’ trial unfolded, each witness’s testimony revealing a new layer of the complex narrative. Miles maintained his innocence during the trial, claiming he had never met or seen Susana. However, a crucial witness, Susana’s best friend, testified to a chilling encounter at the apartment complex pool. Six days before Susana’s disappearance, Miles Bryant allegedly approached the teenagers, offering them THC edibles and promising to take them for pizza. This testimony directly contradicted Miles’ earlier statements and raised serious questions about his potential connection to Susana.

His girlfriend, Sanovia, had initially told police that she suspected Miles of infidelity, leading to the car chase around the time of Susana’s disappearance. However, in court, she claimed to have no memory of chasing him that night, contradicting her previous statements to the police. Despite their breakup in July 2022, Sanovia and Miles maintained a “friends with benefits” arrangement, raising questions about her potential bias in the case. Her testimony was marked by inconsistencies and memory lapses, particularly regarding crucial details and statements made just weeks prior.

The prosecutor highlighted these contradictions, suggesting Sanovia was protecting Miles on the stand. Her inability to recall key events and details cast doubt on the accuracy and reliability of her testimony, adding another layer of complexity to the already convoluted case.

Jailhouse Snitch: Inmate’s Testimony Sheds Light on Miles’s Confidence in Evading Justice

An inmate, currently serving time for burglary, fleeing and looting, aggravated assault, and attempted escape, testified about a chilling account of his interactions with Miles at the Gwinnett County jail. The two crossed paths for about eight months, with the inmate working in the dorm where Miles was housed.

During their daily conversations, which often revolved around sports, personal histories, and future plans, Miles Bryant occasionally discussed his case without revealing his former occupation as a police officer. A few days after receiving a discovery packet, he expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to avoid being linked to Susana’s body:

I’m not gonna get charged for this. They don’t got nothing against me. There’s no blood, semen, or nothing. There’s no way that this case could be put on me. There’s nothing linking me to the crime.

The inmate’s testimony provided a glimpse into Miles’ mindset during his incarceration, highlighting his arrogance and belief in his ability to evade justice despite the mounting evidence against him.

A Friendship Turned Obsession: Young Woman’s Terrifying Ordeal with Miles Bryant

23-year-old Elasha Bates had known Miles since 5th grade at Pembroke Elementary School. While they never dated, they remained close friends throughout high school until she transferred to another school, and their contact dwindled significantly after that.

In 2022, Miles reconnected with her under the pretense of wanting to reunite with her best friend, whom he had previously dated. During a late-night conversation in his car at her apartment complex, he offered to walk her to her 2nd-floor apartment for safety. However, sensing something amiss, she became suspicious of his intentions.

As she prepared to leave, he entered her apartment and began rummaging through her closet, even checking the door hinges for sturdiness. When questioned, he simply replied, “Just looking.” His behavior deeply unsettled her, prompting her to discreetly arm herself with a knife for protection.

Despite this unsettling encounter, Miles Bryant continued to contact her through texts and social media. She saved his contact as “The Stalker,” accompanied by ominous emojis. On multiple occasions, he showed up unannounced at her home, wearing a hoodie and gloves to conceal his identity. Once, while she was away, he even broke into her apartment by removing the doorknob and kicking in the door.

Fearing for her safety, the young woman reported Miles’ escalating behavior to the police and obtained a gun for self-defense. His relentless pursuit and aggressive actions had transformed a once-familiar friendship into a terrifying ordeal.

Susana Morales: Verdict for Former Officer Miles Bryant Update

Forensic experts meticulously detailed the evidence found near Susana’s remains, including the Glock-19 mm handgun registered to Miles. The defense team mounted a vigorous effort, attempting to poke holes in the prosecution’s case and highlight inconsistencies in witness statements. As the trial reached its climax, the courtroom held its breath, awaiting the jury’s verdict, which would ultimately determine the fate of Miles and bring a semblance of closure to Susana’s grieving family.

The courtroom fell silent as the jury foreman read the verdict, each word echoing the weight of justice. Miles Bryant police officer accused of murdering Susana Morales, was found guilty on multiple counts, including malice murder and kidnapping. A collective gasp filled the air as the weight of the verdict sunk in, marking a somber victory for Susana’s family and the community that had tirelessly sought justice for the slain teenager.

Miles’ fate was sealed, his once-promising future now overshadowed by the darkness of his crimes. Susanna Morales’s murder sentence resulted in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 12 months for the false report.

A Betrayal of Trust: The Chilling Murder of Susana Morales

The murder of Susana Morales by Miles Bryant police officer, sent shockwaves through the community, shattering the trust placed in those sworn to protect and serve. Miles’ heinous crime exposed a dark underbelly of power and corruption, leaving a lasting scar on the relationship between law enforcement and the public.

The case serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for abuse of authority and the devastating consequences that can arise when those entrusted with upholding the law betray their oaths. His actions not only robbed a young girl of her life but also tarnished the reputation of countless honorable officers who dedicate their lives to serving their communities with integrity and compassion.

The legacy of this tragedy is a somber one, prompting a deeper examination of police accountability and the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent such horrific events from occurring in the future.

The critical lesson highlighted Bryant case is that a prompt and comprehensive response by law enforcement in missing person cases is paramount. Every minute counts, especially when vulnerable individuals like children and young adults are involved. Delays can have devastating consequences, diminishing the likelihood of a safe return, as in the case of beloved Susana Morales.

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