In 2017, Miami-Dade Police reached out to ESPN for help in spreading the word about their investigation of Bryan Pata's slaying in November 2006. After doing some initial research, ESPN dug deeper.
Reporters obtained at least 5,000 documents, photos, audio recordings and videos and interviewed more than 100 people, including some who had never been approached by police. ESPN also filed a lawsuit to obtain police investigative files.
Here are some key stories ESPN published in its investigation since November 2020:
'Murder at The U': The seven-part, hit podcast on the case and ESPN's investigation. Listen here.
Death at The U: The findings of ESPN's investigation into Pata's death and the 11-year police investigation to that point. Read it here.
Rashaun Jones arrest: The arrest of Rashaun Jones on Aug. 19, 2021. Read it here.
'Nothing to do with him dying': In a videotaped statement after his arrest, Jones declares his innocence to police. Read it here.
'A fresh set of eyes': In a 2022 bond hearing for Jones, a detective explained why his arrest took so long. "What many cases need is a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes you're so into the case, so sucked into it, and there's something right in front you and you just don't see it." Read it here.
The undead witness: Last September, ESPN found and interviewed a key witness the prosecution had told the court was dead. Read it here.
Prosecution rests: After nearly two dozen witnesses, the state rests its largely circumstantial case against Rashaun Jones. The defense calls no witnesses. Read it here.
No verdict yet: Jurors deliberate more than six hours without a verdict. Read it here.
