Mistrial Declared in UM Football Player Murder Case

Jurors were 'prepared to acquit' former teammate Rashaun Jones before deadlock

Mar. 3, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A Miami-Dade juror, speaking anonymously, revealed that five of the six jurors were planning to acquit former University of Miami football player Rashaun Jones of the 2006 murder of his teammate Bryan Pata before the case ended in a mistrial. Prosecutors were unable to convince all six jurors that Jones was the killer, and the judge declared a mistrial after the jury was deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim, Bryan Pata, who was a rising football star with professional aspirations. The long delay in arrests and the apparent division among the jurors raise questions about the strength of the prosecution's case and the challenges in securing convictions, even in seemingly straightforward murder trials.

The details

Rashaun Jones, a former UM teammate of Pata's, was charged with the 2006 murder nearly 15 years later in 2021. Prosecutors alleged Jones killed Pata out of jealousy over his success and popularity. However, the juror who spoke to NBC6 said some jurors had a hard time believing the prosecutors proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The juror also criticized the lead detective, Juan Segovia, as 'arrogant' and said the investigation appeared incomplete.

  • Pata was killed in 2006 at the age of 22.
  • Jones was charged with the murder in 2021, 15 years after the crime.
  • The mistrial was declared on Monday, March 3, 2026, after two days of jury deliberations.

The players

Rashaun Jones

A former University of Miami football player charged with the 2006 murder of his teammate Bryan Pata.

Bryan Pata

A 22-year-old University of Miami football player who was killed in 2006 and was widely regarded as a rising star with professional aspirations.

Juan Segovia

The lead detective on the Pata murder case, whom the anonymous juror described as 'arrogant' and whose investigation was criticized as appearing incomplete.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Prosecutors have indicated they will continue to prosecute Jones, and a new trial date is expected to be discussed on Wednesday. Jones's attorneys are also seeking to have his $850,000 bail reduced to $50,000 or lower, arguing the state failed to secure a conviction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors can face in securing convictions, even in high-profile murder trials, and the importance of thorough investigations and compelling evidence to convince juries. The division among the jurors and the criticism of the lead detective's work raise questions about the strength of the prosecution's case and the potential need for further investigation or a retrial.