Home / Crime and Justice / Haitian Hitman Allegation Delays UM Football Murder Trial
Haitian Hitman Allegation Delays UM Football Murder Trial
18 Feb
Summary
- New hitman claim emerged late Friday, delaying a 2006 murder trial.
- Defense attorney cited ICE informant's tip about a Haitian hitman.
- Judge considering admissibility of new hearsay evidence.
The trial for Rashaun Jones, accused of the 2006 murder of his University of Miami teammate Bryan Pata, was delayed Tuesday following a significant new allegation. Jones' defense attorney presented information from an ICE agent, who was reportedly told by a confidential informant that a Haitian hitman committed the murder.
This claim, which surfaced late Friday, prompted a delay just as opening statements were scheduled. The defense argued the information indicates a failure to investigate other leads. Prosecutors countered that the evidence is inadmissible hearsay, lacking corroborating witnesses or documents.
The Miami-Dade judge expressed skepticism, stating the information was speculative and lacked direct evidence. However, after a second deposition of the ICE agent, more details emerged, including alleged voodoo rituals performed at the victim's gravesite. The court is set to resume Wednesday morning, with opening statements now anticipated.
