Before mistrial, jurors in UM football player murder trial were ‘prepared to acquit’

A Miami-Dade juror, under the condition of anonymity, told NBC6 there was a point during deliberations where five of them were planning to acquit former University of Miami football player Rashaun Jones of the murder of Bryan Pata.

The juror, who did not want to be identified, was one of six who spent two days deliberating Jones’ fate, a now 40-year-old former UM student charged with killing his teammate Pata nearly 20 years ago in 2006. 

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, a former Hurricanes teammate, killed Pata out of jealousy over his success and popularity.

However, Miami-Dade state attorneys were unable to convince all six jurors that Jones was the killer. On Monday, after two days of deliberating, Judge Cristina Miranda declared the case a mistrial after the jury was deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous vote. 

5-1 jury vote 

The juror told NBC6 the six members were all very attentive, and some had a hard time believing prosecutors proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The juror told NBC6 that on the first day of deliberations, the group ended the day with five of them wanting to acquit Jones, while the remaining juror planned to vote guilty.

Jurors decided to come back after the weekend to continue deliberating. However, on Monday, jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict 

The juror also told NBC6 they found the lead detective on the case, Juan Segovia, to be arrogant while on the stand and that his investigation appeared incomplete.

What’s next for Jones? 

On Tuesday, prosecutors appeared to have decided they would continue to prosecute Jones, and discussions began to decide on a new trial date. 

Jones’s attorneys also mentioned Tuesday they are now seeking his bond to be reduced from $850,000 to $50,000 or lower, since he hasn’t been able to afford getting out of jail. 

According to defense attorneys, “When a mistrial occurs, particularly due to a deadlocked jury, the court may reconsider the issue of bail.”

They added, “the State failed to carry its burden of proof before six (6) jurors and secure a conviction after a complete trial. According to multiple sources, five (5) jurors were prepared to acquit.”

Defense attorneys believe “the weight of the State’s evidence cannot support Mr. Jones’s continued incarceration.” 

A new trial date and Jones’ bond are expected to be discussed on Wednesday.