20/20 After Show: Murder at the U
Original air date: March 9, 2026
Podcast: 20/20 After Show (ABC News)
Host: Deborah Roberts
Guests: Paula Levine (ESPN/30 for 30 Podcast), Mike Schultz (20/20 Producer)

Episode Overview

This After Show episode revisits and dissects the “20/20” true crime episode, Murder at the U, centered on the 2006 murder of Brian Pata, a University of Miami football star. The After Show brings on investigative journalists Paula Levine and Mike Schultz—key figures in reviving interest in the cold case—who break down the investigation, the long pursuit of justice, the charges against former teammate Rashawn Jones, and the recent mistrial that has left the case open once again.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who Was Brian Pata?

• Background: Son of a single Haitian mother with eight siblings; described as humble and kind with a promising football career ahead.
• Life in Miami: Sports became an essential outlet for Brian and his family, moving frequently to escape unsafe neighborhoods.
• Dreams: A top NFL Draft prospect, Pata dreamed of buying his mother a house and lifting his family.

“[Brian] was the kind of kid that many had described as kind and humble... a strong young man with a really soft heart.”
— Deborah Roberts (00:41)

2. The Miami Hurricanes Football Culture

• The early 2000s team had a reputation for swagger, competitiveness, and sending players to the NFL.
• Pata thrived amid the pressure, energy, and nightlife but was recently growing anxious.

“He could go to this team that was, you know, on the top of the world and, and he could stay home and be close to his mom… there were high times there in Miami. It was the place to be.”
— Paula Levine (07:36)

3. Warning Signs in the Weeks Before the Murder

• Brian grew more paranoid—owning firearms, having nightmares, and making his license plate less identifiable.
• He spoke of threats and displayed uncharacteristic behavior.

“He had guns and he slept in his closet with… an AK47… He covered up… [his license plate]… people really noticed he was… doing some things that really indicated that he had some suspicion or some fear.”
— Paula Levine (08:58)

4. The Night of the Murder (Nov. 7, 2006)

• Brian was killed “execution style” outside his apartment.
• Not a robbery—valuable possessions, including his wallet and car, were left untouched.

“It seemed… they deduced pretty early on that… whoever killed him wanted him—specifically Brian Pata—dead.”
— Paula Levine (13:24)

5. Why Did the Case Go Cold?

• Police stopped actively investigating by 2009/2010.
• The Pata family publicly criticized the police’s lack of progress.
• ESPN’s involvement (starting approx. 2017–18) reignited attention.

“There really wasn’t anything that changed from the evidence that they had back in… 2007, 2008, to when they arrested [Jones] in 2021… The only thing that was… substantially different was that ESPN got involved and drew a lot of attention…”
— Paula Levine (14:57)

6. Who Is Rashawn Jones, and What Was the Evidence?

• Jones, a former teammate, had long been suspected but was arrested only after renewed attention.
• Motive speculation included a fight over a girlfriend (from 2004) and possible jealousy over career prospects.
• On the day of the murder, Jones failed a drug test and missed a mandatory team meeting after Pata’s death.
• The key evidence was circumstantial and included:
  • Alleged lingering tension between Pata and Jones.
  • Eyewitness (Paul Connor, a UM writing instructor) who picked Jones from a photo lineup months later.

“There was substantial circumstantial evidence…[an] alleged beef… a dorm room fight in 2004… failed a drug test... eyewitness who picked out [Jones] from a photo lineup…”
— Paula Levine (15:55)

• The team’s culture of conflicts and fights among players made determining motive complex.

“Fights between teammates… seem to be commonplace… and there’s a lot of testosterone, there’s a lot of fighting over girls… The beef… was almost two years before the murder.”
— Mike Schultz (18:10)

7. Family Perspectives and Arrest

• Brian Pata’s family believed from early on that Jones was responsible, while Jones’ family continues to assert his innocence.

“Rashawn’s family and friends don’t believe it. Brian’s family… feels like he was the guy all along.”
— Mike Schultz (19:39)

8. The Recent Trial and Bombshell Mistrial

• After being detained for 4.5 years, Jones finally went to trial in February 2026.
• Jury deliberations resulted in a hung jury and a mistrial—most jurors leaned toward acquittal for lack of evidence.

“You could tell there was… just sort of shock and befuddlement from everyone, even… the judge, because this is not what… anyone really expected.”
— Paula Levine (22:04)

• The Pata family continues to suffer, emotionally and physically (noted in a poignant comparison between Jeanette Pata’s initial grief and present-day frailty).

“You juxtapose Brian’s mother running to the scene the day of the murder… and then you see her in that wheelchair being wheeled out… how much this has taken a toll on her.”
— Mike Schultz (24:18)

9. What Happens Next?

• A retrial is scheduled for May 2026.
• The prosecution intends to try the case again; Jones remains in custody with reduced bail ($500,000).
• Concerns about media coverage influencing jury selection in the retrial.
• Ongoing criticism of the original investigation’s shortcomings.

“The prosecution indicated that it does intend to retry this case… after all this media coverage, I think it might be hard to… find that many jurors who haven’t heard anything about this case…”
— Paula Levine (25:18)

• The defense did not present any witnesses at this trial, potentially keeping their strategy concealed for the retrial.

“Defense put no witnesses up for the next go round. I’ve talked to Rashawn’s lawyer who is glad that they didn’t tip their hand…”
— Mike Schultz (27:06)

10. Systemic Issues Highlighted

• Jones’ long pre-trial detention despite not being convicted.
• His indigence, reliance on a young, pro bono public defender.
• Broader commentary on representation and fairness in the criminal justice system.

“It’s an indictment of the criminal justice system that people who are… poor, people of color predominantly don’t get a fair shake… he’s been in jail for longer than many people are in jail for… serious crimes…”
— Mike Schultz (28:09)

• Jones refused a plea deal, maintaining innocence.

“He had a possibility of a plea deal which he chose not to take... [The judge] actually even says to him, you know, give us your best offer. And the message back is, I have no offer. I’m not interested.”
— Paula Levine (28:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “They just want a conviction.”
  — Narrator/Paula Levine (30:32), capturing family and defense perceptions.

• “We had a killer amongst us.”
  — Mike Schultz (30:36), reflecting team members’ shock.

• “You could tell... just anguish and... inside the courtroom still, the, you know, the defense and Rashawn hung out, and at one point, they were all... holding hands... just trying to figure out what happened next.”
  — Paula Levine (23:10), on the raw emotion after the mistrial.

Important Timestamps

• Brian Pata’s story and murder introduction: (00:19–03:17)
• Photo of suspect at team vigil, ESPN’s involvement: (03:17–04:05)
• Family background and the role of sports: (05:24–07:08)
• Intensifying fears prior to Pata’s death: (08:46–09:44)
• Discovery of body and investigation focus: (12:25–13:37)
• Case going cold and ESPN’s impact: (14:06–14:57)
• Circumstantial evidence and Jones as a suspect: (15:50–17:44)
• Team dynamics and potential motives: (18:06–19:17)
• Family reactions to arrest: (19:31–20:19)
• Mistrial and courtroom atmosphere: (21:18–23:53)
• Impact on Jeanette Pata and family: (24:18–25:03)
• Retrial plans and legal strategy: (25:08–28:09)
• Broader systemic issues in criminal justice: (28:09–28:38)
• Refusal of plea deal: (28:31–28:53)
• Closing and preview of related podcasts: (30:10–30:38)

Tone & Language

The conversation is empathetic, detailed, and at times emotionally charged. The hosts and guests balance journalistic inquiry with respectful acknowledgement of the grief and frustration experienced by the Pata family and all those affected by the unsolved murder.

Conclusion

The After Show delivers a probing, behind-the-scenes discussion of Murder at the U—emphasizing not just the facts of the crime, but the complexities of the investigation, the impact of journalism in cold case justice, and the human toll on all involved. The upcoming retrial promises further developments, with the After Show committed to ongoing coverage.