A former Univesity of Miami defensive back has been arrested and charged in the 2006 killing of his teammate, according to The Miami Herald.
“MURDER CASE SOLVED – Segment 4. MDPD Homicide detectives, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals, have arrested Rashaun Jones in connection to the 2006 murder of Bryan Pata,” Miami-Dade Police Department tweeted on Thursday.
“Thank you investigators for helping us bring justice to the family.”
MDPD stated that Jones will be extradited to Miami-Dade County to stand trial in Pata’s death.
Bryan Pata, a Miami defensive tackle and NFL hopeful, was shot and killed at age 22 outside of his apartment complex in November, 2006 after returning from team practice, according to the Herald.
An ESPN investigative report from 2020 detailed how Pata’s teammate Jones was a suspect in his killing. Jones, who was suspended by the team for failing a third drug test, reportedly skipped mandatory practice on the day of Pata’s death.
Former UM player Eric Monour told the sports network that Pata and Jones allegedly engaged in a physical altercation before the incident. Jones had also dated Pata’s girlfriend, Jada Brody.
The report also detailed how Jones changed his cellphone number and asked one of his teammates for money to leave town, according to ESPN.
“For nearly 15 years, our Homicide investigators have relentlessly searched for the murderer of Bryan Pata. They take great pride in their work ethics as they always represent their victims,” MDPD director Alfredo Ramirez tweeted. “Today, along with @KathyFndzRundle, we brought justice to his family and our community.”
Jones, 35, was charged with first-degree murder in Pata’s death, the Herald reported.
The Hill has reached out to the University of Miami for comment.