Jurors deadlock, judge declares mistrial in Miami football murder case A judge declared a mistrial Monday in the murder trial of former University of Miami football player Rashaun Jones, accused of fatally shooting teammate Bryan Pata in 2006. The jury, consisting of six members, could not reach a unanimous verdict after days of deliberation, leading to the courtroom decision. The case, which has spanned nearly two decades, has been marked by circumstantial evidence, legal challenges, and a complex web of allegations. The mistrial followed a deadlock among jurors, who reportedly struggled to agree on whether Jones, 40, should be convicted of second-degree murder. During deliberations, the jury reviewed key evidence, including testimony from former Miami instructor Paul Conner, who claimed to have seen someone fleeing the scene of the 2006 shooting. Conner’s account, however, was scrutinized by the defense, which highlighted inconsistencies in his testimony, such as poor visibility during the encounter and a delayed identification of the suspect. Prosecutors argued that multiple factors pointed to Jones as the perpetrator, including a prior team suspension linked to a failed drug test, conflicting cellphone records, and a suspicious phone call he made to another athlete seeking money. Assistant State Attorney Cristina Diamond emphasized that Jones harbored "ill will, hatred, and evil intent" toward Pata, citing tensions over a romantic relationship between Pata and Jada Brody, a woman with whom Jones had a previous intimate connection. The defense, however, painted a different picture. Attorney Christian Maroni criticized the prosecution’s reliance on Conner’s testimony, noting that the witness’s identification of Jones was based on a lineup seven months after the shooting.#rashaun_jones #bryan_pata #paul_conner #crystina_diamond #crystina_miranda
