Re-trial date set for teammate charged in 2006 murder of UM star Bryan Pata

A man accused of killing his University of Miami football teammate nearly two decades ago will once again face a trial after his first one ended in a mistrial.

Prosecutors announced Wednesday that they will re-try the case against Rashaun Jones, who was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Hurricanes teammate Bryan Pata outside his southwest Miami-Dade apartment in November 2006.

The re-trial is scheduled to begin May 18, and the judge reduced Jones’ bond from $850,000 to $500,000.

Jones, 40, was also asked if there was any plea offer he’d be comfortable with, but he responded no.

Judge Cristina Miranda declared the mistrial in Jones’ first case on Monday after jurors said they were deadlocked.

One of the jurors later told NBC6 there was a point during deliberations that five of the six jurors were planning to acquit Jones.

The juror said the six members were all very attentive, and some had a hard time believing prosecutors proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Pata, who was found in a pool of blood near a parking lot outside his apartment, was 22 years old at the time and widely regarded as a rising football star with professional aspirations.

Despite the shocking nature of the crime, no arrest was made until 15 years later, in 2021. Prosecutors alleged Jones killed Pata out of jealousy over his success and popularity.

Defense attorneys challenged the credibility of the state’s case, arguing investigators were under pressure to solve the high-profile murder and ultimately charged the wrong man. They emphasized the lack of direct physical evidence linking Jones to the crime.

Jones previously pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.

“Mr. Jones continues to be presumed innocent and we will be back to fight this again at the next trial,” defense attorney Sara Alvarez said Monday.