Hearing held for Bryan Pata’s accused killer as lawyers prepare for second trial

MIAMI — Bryan Pata’s family members sat and watched a motion hearing Monday with their loved ones’ alleged killer, Rashaun Jones, just feet away in an orange jump suit.

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Jones, 40, is accused of fatally shooting Pata, 22, in 2006, when the two were teammates on the University of Miami football team.

During Monday’s hearing, a judge denied a motion to lower Jones’ bond, which is currently set at $500,000.

“The original facts led me to give him no bond, which is what most homicides get,” the judge said. “I honestly felt like the $500,000 was giving a break to the defendant.”

The judge also considered a motion regarding purported social media activity from the case’s lead detective, allegations that have led to an ongoing internal affairs investigation.

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For that motion, the judge said the report that links the detective to the account and its comments needs further authentication.

The judge also denied a defense motion regarding a state witness who they argued was given improper promises in exchange for damning information about Jones.

A first trial for Jones ended in a hung jury. His second trial was recently moved to September.

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