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.
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.
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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