MIAMI (WSVN) - A judge declared a mistrial in the murder trial of Rashaun Jones, the man accused of fatally shooting University of Miami defensive tackle Bryan Pata nearly two decades ago.
The mistrial was declared after a six-person jury could not come to unanimous decision in the case following a second period of deliberation.
In court Monday morning, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Cristina Miranda revealed the jury was deadlocked.
“I received your note saying you continue to be deadlocked, so at this time, I will declare a mistrial and hung jury,” she said.
Pata’s family were seen in tears in the hallway outside of the courtroom following the decision.
Bryan Pata’s brother, Edwin Pata, told 7News his family was devastated by the outcome.
“It’s heartbreaking for mom and everybody to have to go through all over again. It’s like peeling back the scab of a deep wound. The last two weeks have been anxiety-filled and stressful,” said Edwin. “As a family, we got to see and hear more details and it gave us more confirmation who is responsible for this and why.”
Jurors began deliberating Thursday before sending Miranda a note indicating they were deadlocked.
Jones, a former Hurricanes teammate of Pata’s, was accused of second-degree murder after Pata was found in a pool of blood near a parking lot outside his Southwest Miami-Dade apartment in November 2006.
The 22-year-old was considered a top NFL draft prospect at the time of his death.
Prosecutors said Jones gunned down his former teammate out of jealousy over his successful football career and a fight that the pair had years prior.
The defense argued the evidence presented in court tying Jones to Pata’s death was circumstantial.
“Mr. Jones continues to be presumed innocent, and we will be back to fight this again at the next trial,” said Sara Álvarez.
Pata’s family also said while they’re disappointed with Monday’s outcome, they will be committing all their energy into the next trial as they continue their search for justice.
“We’re frustrated, but we’re also resilient. We’re going to remain steadfast and confident that we’re going to get the answers that we need,” said Edwin. “We have to make sure we get the answer and the verdict that we need. Even if it’s taking more time, we’ll be here as a family, in support of our family, for my mom and Bryan.”
Miranda said she will revisit the case Wednesday to see when the case may be re-tried.
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