ESPN Discovers Key Witness Alive in Decades-Old Miami Football Player Murder Case

ESPN Discovers Key Witness Alive in Decades-Old Miami Football Player Murder Case

Miami, FL – A major twist has emerged in the long-running murder case of former Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Bryan Pata, who was shot and killed in 2006. ESPN reporters recently located a key witness, Paul Conner, who prosecutors previously claimed was deceased. Conner, 81, was found alive at his Louisville, Kentucky, residence in August.

Conner lived near the scene of Pata’s death and reportedly called police shortly after the shooting, noting he heard a “pop” and saw someone jogging away. He had previously identified Pata’s teammate Rashaun Jones in multiple lineups, who has pleaded not guilty in the case.

Florida prosecutors had told the 11th Circuit Court in July that Conner was dead, relying on public databases that “seemed to indicate” his passing. Efforts to verify his status with Louisville police reportedly never occurred. The revelation could impact the trial, scheduled to begin October 6.

“This is a bigger issue. This is just blatant lies,” said Jones’ attorney, Sara Alvarez, criticizing the state for failing to provide accurate information about evidence.

Conner, however, indicated his memory is now unreliable, saying, “I’m getting up in years… My memory comes and goes.” Despite this, his testimony at a 2022 bond hearing was pivotal in granting Jones bail, which he has not yet posted.

The case has been plagued by delays, missing evidence, and investigative missteps, including the nine-month delay in Jones’ initial arrest and the fact that the murder weapon has never been recovered. As the trial approaches, the court and families await clarity on a case fraught with procedural challenges and decades of unresolved questions.