Mistrial Declared in 2006 Killing of Miami Player Bryan Pata; Prosecutors Plan Retrial

A Miami-Dade jury on Monday ended in a mistrial in the prosecution of former University of Miami football player Rashaun Jones, who was charged in the 2006 fatal shooting of teammate Bryan Pata. After several days of deliberation, jurors told Judge Cristina Miranda they were deadlocked, prompting the judge to declare a hung jury.

Judge Miranda told jurors, "I have received your note indicating that you continue to be a deadlock, and so at this time, I will declare a mistrial and a hung jury." Pata's mother reacted emotionally, covering her face as the announcement was made.

Outside the courtroom, Edwin Pata, a brother of the victim, called the outcome "disappointing" and "frustrating" for the family and their supporters. Another brother, Edrick Pata, said the trial reopened painful memories for relatives who were children at the time of the slaying.

Prosecutors said they intend to retry Jones and Judge Miranda instructed both sides to review their calendars so a new trial date can be set. The precise split in the jury vote — whether it leaned toward conviction or acquittal — was not disclosed in open court.

The case presented by prosecutors described 22-year-old Bryan Pata as an up-and-coming defensive lineman for the Miami Hurricanes and a potential NFL prospect. Prosecutors portrayed Jones, a seldom-used wide receiver and occasional punt returner, as resentful of Pata's success and popularity.

Jones, now 40, was arrested on Aug. 19, 2021 — nearly 15 years after Pata was shot outside his apartment on Nov. 7, 2006. The prosecution acknowledged it lacked direct physical evidence tying Jones to the shooting and relied largely on witness testimony and cellphone tower data placing Jones' phone roughly 2.2 miles from Pata's building shortly before the shooting.

Defense attorney Sara Alvarez stressed Jones' presumption of innocence, saying, "Mr. Jones continues to be presumed innocent and we will be back to fight this again at the next trial." The defense argued the state's case was weak and suggested public pressure may have influenced the decision to charge Jones.

Earlier in the proceedings Jones rejected a plea offer that would have resulted in a 15-year prison sentence. With the mistrial declared, prosecutors have said they will pursue another trial, leaving the case unresolved for now and the Pata family waiting for further legal action.

Judge Miranda: "I know it’s been a long couple of weeks. I know you all put your heart and soul into it, and you were here for very long hours listening to all of the evidence. So we appreciate your work now."