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Jury Deadlock Triggers Mistrial in Bryan Pata Killing Trial of Ex‑Miami Player Rashaun Jones

Prosecutors plan to seek a retrial within Florida’s 90‑day window after the case ended without a verdict.

Overview

  • A six-person jury remained split after multi-day deliberations, prompting Judge Cristina Miranda to declare a hung jury on Monday.
  • Jones, charged with second-degree murder in 2021 for Pata’s 2006 shooting, remains in custody as the court holds follow-up hearings this week.
  • Jurors told ESPN the state relied on circumstantial evidence and inconsistent testimony, with five favoring acquittal and one favoring conviction.
  • Key evidence centered on a delayed eyewitness identification by former instructor Paul Conner and cell-site data that could not place Jones at the scene.
  • Prosecutors indicated at a Tuesday hearing they will retry the case, with the parties set to meet Wednesday to select a new trial date and the defense seeking a lower bond.