Overview
- Judge Cristina Miranda declared a mistrial Monday after a six-person jury reported it was deadlocked following days of deliberations.
- Prosecutors presented largely circumstantial evidence, including a delayed eyewitness identification and cell-site data, and no murder weapon or direct forensic link was introduced.
- A juror told ESPN that only one panelist favored conviction, citing the state’s failure to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Rashaun Jones has pleaded not guilty, has been in custody since his 2021 arrest, and previously rejected a plea offer reported at 15 years.
- A hearing is scheduled Tuesday to consider a new trial date, and Pata’s family says they were told prosecutors intend to try the case again.