Two men, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, were convicted of murder on Tuesday in connection with the death of Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay. The murder took place in a brazen 2002 shooting at the rap legend’s studio.
The anonymous Brooklyn federal jury found Jordan and Washington guilty of murder while engaged in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy and firearm-related murder. Prosecutors described the killing as an act of revenge for a failed drug deal.
After the guilty verdict was delivered, Washington yelled at the jury, saying, “Y’all just killed two innocent people.” Jordan also expressed his feelings to his supporters in the courtroom before they were escorted out by U.S. Marshals.
Jam Master Jay, whose real name is Jason Mizell, was a pioneering DJ in the group Run-DMC. He was known for helping hip-hop break into the mainstream in the 1980s with hits like “It’s Tricky” and a reimagined version of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.” Mizell was tragically gunned down in his studio in front of witnesses on October 30, 2002.
The case remained open for years, similar to the unsolved murders of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. Authorities struggled to get witnesses to come forward with information, but eventually, Jordan and Washington were arrested in 2020 and pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, witnesses testified that Mizell had become involved in the drug trade to support his friends and cover his debts. Prosecutors alleged that the two men turned on the rap star due to vengeance, greed, and jealousy.
The trial also shed light on a third defendant, Jay Bryant, who was charged last year after his DNA was found at the crime scene. Bryant has pleaded not guilty and will face a separate trial.
Overall, the trial brought closure to a long-standing case and provided justice for the slain hip-hop legend. Despite his involvement in the drug trade, Mizell’s contributions to music and hip-hop culture should not be overlooked. Through his achievements, Mizell left a lasting impact on the industry and paved the way for future artists.
