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Mistrial in Bryan Pata Murder Case Draws New Spotlight From ABC and ESPN as Retrial Nears

A six-person jury deadlocked after two weeks of testimony, with one juror reporting a 5-1 split for acquittal.

Overview

  • Jury selection for Rashaun Jones’ retrial is expected to begin May 18, according to local reporting.
  • ABC’s 20/20 airs the two-hour special “Murder at the U” on March 6, with streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day, produced in partnership with ESPN.
  • Jones was arrested in 2021 after renewed attention from ESPN’s investigation, with police pointing to cell phone records and an alleged eyewitness as key evidence.
  • Jones has pleaded not guilty, maintained his innocence, refused a plea deal, and remained jailed for four and a half years because he could not afford bail.
  • Bryan Pata, a 22-year-old University of Miami defensive lineman and NFL prospect, was shot in the head outside his off-campus apartment on Nov. 7, 2006.