UM football player’s murder trial postponed amid detective allegations
MIAMI – A retrial for Rashaun Jones, charged with second‑degree murder, has been rescheduled from an intended May start to September 14, 2026. Jones, 40, faces the death of 22‑year‑old Bryan Pata, a former University of Miami football teammate. The initial trial ended in February with a hung jury and a mistrial.
During a Thursday hearing, a court magistrate questioned the timing of several recent defense motions, citing that they were filed after the court’s deadline. One motion alleges that the lead detective violated a court order by posting comments on a private Instagram account about prior trial coverage.
The judge granted a joint continuance to both the state and defense, postponing proceedings. The details of the motions will be reviewed on May 18. The court has confirmed that the next trial date will now be set for September 14.