Family Marks Anniversary Of Bryan Pata's Death
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – A South Florida family marked a tragic anniversary on Monday.
On November 7th, 2006, Bryan Pata, a 22-year old defensive lineman at University of Miami, had practiced with the Hurricanes in the afternoon and then stayed for a quick, informal team dinner before leaving campus.
Police were called to the Colony Apartment complex on SW 77th Avenue in Kendall where he lived about two hours after practice ended. It was there they found Pata's; he had been shot to death.
Police believe Pata may have been involved in some type of dispute with another man before being shot outside his apartment.
"I feel PAIN five years later," Bryan's mother Jeanette Pata told CBS4's Gio Bentiez. "My son was gunned down right here for no reason."
Pata played in 41 games over his four-year career at Miami, making 23 starts, and was expected to be chosen in the 2007 NFL draft.
"It's not easy for someone to lose your son like that and no justice," Jeanette said. "We need the justice for Bryan.
On Monday, the family left flowers at the site where he was gunned down and put down five candles on the spot before later visited his grave in North Miami.
"Those five candles you see there, that means five LONG years," Jeanette said. "We need our answer. We need our answer."
To this date, his killer has not been caught. The Pata family thinks Bryan was targeted, but the case has gone cold and the family has turned to the community for help.
"C'mon people, help me out. I need your help people. Please!," Jeanette said.
"Yes, time does heal to a certain degree, but it brings you back to square one when there's no answers," said Bryan's brother, Edwin Pata.
CBS4 was with the family as they visited Bryan's tomb in Opa-Locka.
The mausoleum has a football helmet with his number 95 engraved on it. Just above it, children have placed toys and Jeanette hopes someone will help finally break the case.
"Even though he died, I'm still proud of him," Jeanette said. "I love him so much. He's in my heart."
Anybody with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
