Key witness testifies in Bryan Pata murder trial

Retired professor's recorded statement places suspect at the scene of the 2006 killing

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Jurors in the trial of Rashaun Jones, a former University of Miami football player accused of killing his teammate Bryan Pata in 2006, heard testimony on Monday from a key state witness - Paul Connor, a retired university writing instructor who previously lived near the crime scene. Connor's recorded deposition was played in court after the state said he is no longer mentally capable of testifying in person. In the video, Connor described seeing a man matching Jones' description leaving the apartment complex shortly after Pata was shot and killed.

Why it matters

Pata's murder went unsolved for nearly 15 years until Jones was arrested in 2021 and charged with second-degree murder. Connor's eyewitness account, if believed by the jury, could be crucial evidence linking Jones to the crime scene on the night of the killing.

The details

In the recorded deposition, Connor said he heard a "loud bang" the night of the shooting and then saw a man walking toward the apartment complex gate, making eye contact with him. Prosecutors showed Connor a sketch and he identified it as matching the description of the defendant, Rashaun Jones, at age 20. Connor had previously selected Jones from a photo lineup as the man he saw leaving the scene.

  • The shooting occurred in November 2006.
  • Jones was arrested in 2021, nearly 15 years after the crime.
  • Connor's recorded deposition was played in court on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Rashaun Jones

A former University of Miami football player accused of killing his teammate Bryan Pata in 2006. Jones was arrested in 2021 and has maintained his innocence.

Bryan Pata

A University of Miami defensive lineman who was shot and killed outside his Kendall apartment in November 2006.

Paul Connor

A retired University of Miami writing instructor who previously lived at the apartment complex where Pata was killed. Connor's recorded deposition was played in court as a key piece of evidence for the prosecution.

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What they’re saying

“That drawing matches the description of the defendant.”

— Paul Connor, Retired University of Miami writing instructor

What’s next

The state is expected to call additional witnesses, and prosecutors may also introduce a recording of Jones taken at the time of his arrest. Once the prosecution rests, the defense will present its case, and it remains unclear whether Jones will testify.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of eyewitness testimony, even years after a crime, in helping to solve cold cases. Connor's account, if believed by the jury, could be a crucial piece of evidence linking the suspect to the scene of the 2006 killing.