University of Miami Football Player's Murder Trial Begins

Prosecutors frame case as long-delayed search for justice, while defense claims lack of evidence

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The murder trial of Rashaun Jones, accused of killing his University of Miami football teammate Bryan Pata in 2006, has officially begun. Prosecutors allege Jones approached Pata from behind and shot him in the head shortly after Pata returned home from football practice, while the defense disputes the state's narrative and claims the case lacks solid evidence.

Why it matters

This case has lingered in South Florida for nearly two decades, and the outcome will provide closure for Pata's family and the University of Miami community, while also raising questions about the criminal justice system's ability to deliver justice after such a long delay.

The details

Pata was a standout defensive lineman for the University of Miami football team who was set to go to the NFL before his life was cut short. Prosecutors allege Jones, a former teammate, approached Pata from behind and shot him in the head out of jealousy. The defense disputes this narrative and claims the state's case lacks solid evidence, introducing new information suggesting the killing may be connected to an ICE investigation, Haitian gangs, and a possible hired hitman.

  • The shooting occurred in November 2006, shortly after Pata returned home from football practice.
  • Jones was arrested 15 years after the killing, in 2021.

The players

Rashaun Jones

The man accused of killing his University of Miami football teammate Bryan Pata in 2006. He has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.

Bryan Pata

A standout defensive lineman for the University of Miami football team who was set to go to the NFL before his life was cut short.

Fednol Pierre

Pata's older brother, who testified about learning of the shooting through a voicemail.

Dwayne Hendrix

Pata's former teammate and roommate, who testified about discovering Pata's body outside their apartment building.

Kristen Rodriguez

The state prosecutor framing the case as a long-delayed search for justice.

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What they’re saying

“We are here because of Bryan Pata.”

— Kristen Rodriguez, State Prosecutor (cbsnews.com)

“Bryan Pata had just returned to his apartment from football practice. He parked his car in the parking lot, locked it, and began to walk to his apartment. After only walking a few feet, the defendant approaches him and shoots him in the head.”

— Kristen Rodriguez, State Prosecutor (cbsnews.com)

“Bryan was like the only person on this team that opened his family to me.”

— Dwayne Hendrix, Former Teammate and Roommate (cbsnews.com)

“I tell people to this day that's the hardest thing I had to do in my life was call his mom and say that her youngest is dead.”

— Dwayne Hendrix, Former Teammate and Roommate (cbsnews.com)

“What you will learn during this trial is the truth. We are here today because of pressure, not because of proof, and the simple truth is that Rashaun Jones is innocent.”

— Sara Alvarez, Defense Lawyer (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow new information from an informant suggesting the killing may be connected to an ICE investigation, Haitian gangs, and a possible hired hitman.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of delivering justice after such a long delay, as well as the complex web of potential motives and connections that may have contributed to the tragic death of a promising young athlete.