MIAMI – Rashaun Jones, the former teammate accused of killing Bryan Pata, was back in court again Wednesday for the third day to conclude his Arthur hearing, which is a proceeding where a judge determines whether Jones can be released from jail to await trial, even though he is technically facing a non-bondable offense.
Jones is accused of shooting Pata to death outside of his Kendall apartment complex back in 2006. Police long suspected Jones and arrested him in August, 15 years after the shooting.
“This man who is so frustrated by his suspension takes it out in the man he truly hates,” a prosecutor said.
The defense questioned the reliability of a witness’ testimony and questioned the length of time it took to make an arrest.
“Why wait 15 years if this identification is a slam dunk, why wait”, a defense attorney said.
The judge then decided to go into phase two of the Arthur hearing.
During phase two, it has to be decided where a discretionary bond is appropriate. Such things for the court to consider include the defendant’s prior record, the seriousness of the crime, and whether or not the defendant poses as a flight risk or a danger to society.
Up for questioning on Tuesday was another Miami-Dade Police Det. Juan Segovia, who investigated the case.
“We begin to learn that the defendant had on numerous occasions made mention that he owned a 38 caliber, made threats to people about shooting them, and even more importantly, had actually pointed a gun consistent with that firearm at somebody’s head and threatened their lives on campus while at the University of Miami,” Segovia said.
Both the state and the defense rested after the judge asked Jones whether he was going to testify and he said no.
The state and defense wrapped up their cases to the judge on Wednesday afternoon and prosecutors say Jones was motivated by a combination of jealousy and prior bad blood with Pata.
Phase two of the Arthur hearing will allow the judge to hear additional testimony and decide whether or not to give Jones bond.