Susana Morales was a 16-year-old girl from Norcross, Georgia. Known for her infectious laugh and warm personality, she was described by her sister, Jasmine Perez, as “a sister, a daughter, a friend, and that night, she was on the way home, and nobody had the right to take that away from her,” per ABC News.
On July 26, 2022, Morales texted her mother at 9:40 p.m. confirming she was walking home from a friend’s house—a journey that should have taken only 15 minutes. Tracking apps confirmed she was moving in the right direction between 10:07 p.m. and 10:21 p.m., but she never arrived. Her family reported her missing the following morning. Initially, the Gwinnett County Police Department treated her disappearance as a potential runaway case, which her family said hindered the early investigation.
Months later, on February 6, 2023, Morales’ remains were discovered in a wooded area near Highway 316, Georgia. Investigators noted that her skeletal remains were found without clothing, suggesting she was stripped before her body was disposed of. Crucially, a black Glock 19 pistol was recovered at the scene, a piece of evidence that would lead authorities to her killer.
The investigation revealed that Miles Bryant, a 22-year-old courtesy police officer at the Sterling Glen Apartments where Morales had been earlier that evening, was responsible. On the morning after Morales disappeared, Bryant reported his service weapon missing—the same gun found at the crime scene.
Data from Bryant’s work and personal devices placed him at the location where Morales’ body was discovered. Authorities also uncovered incriminating internet searches on his devices, including questions like, “How long does it take a body to decompose?” Despite overwhelming evidence, Bryant pleaded not guilty to charges including malice murder, felony murder, and kidnapping.
Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure noted that it was unclear whether Bryant and Morales had a prior personal connection. However, prosecutors revealed that Bryant had a history of harassing and stalking young women, even breaking into their apartments. Alyssa Marvin, a friend of Morales, testified that Bryant had previously approached them, offering drugs and a ride in his car, which they declined.
Detective Angela Carter presented video evidence during the trial showing Bryant threatening a teenage runaway, warning her she could be kidnapped, murdered, and dumped in the woods—just two months before Morales’ tragic encounter with him.
Conviction and Sentence
In June 2024, Bryant was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping, and misdemeanor false reporting of a crime. He received a life sentence without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 12 months. Bryant requested a new trial, which was denied, and he is now appealing to the Georgia Supreme Court, according to ABC News.
Remembering Susana Morales
Susana Morales’ death serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that can lurk even in seemingly familiar places. Her family continues to honor her memory, hoping that her story will bring awareness to the vulnerabilities of young people and the need for accountability, even among those entrusted to protect the public.
