Jam Master Jay’s godson, Karl Jordan Jr., was found guilty of shooting and killing the famed Run-DMC member by a federal jury. In addition, Ronald Washington, a longtime friend of Jay, participated in the murder after being left out of a cocaine deal.
According to Billboard, the verdict concludes a three-week trial. Jordan and Washington were charged with Jay’s murder in 2020.
There was just one witness used in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell stated that the “case is not complicated.” He added, “It’s about greed, it’s about money, it’s about jealousy.”
Jordan and Washington now face a minimum of 20 years in prison.
“More than two decades after they killed Jason Mizell in his recording studio, Jordan and Washington have finally been held accountable for their cold-blooded crime driven by greed and revenge,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said.
Prosecutors allege Jay turned to drug dealing after Run-DMC’s popularity faded, teaming with Washington and Jordan in the deals. A third man charged, Jay Bryant, will have a separate charge later in 2024.
A jury has found two men guilty of murder in the trial for the killing of Jam Master Jay. Both Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington stood trial in the attack on the hip-hop icon who was killed at a recording studio in 2002. The two face at least 20 years behind bars and a maximum of life in prison.
Prosecutors claim Jay acquired 22 pounds of cocaine that he intended to have Washington and Jordan, among others, distribute. Eventually, Jay informed Washington that he planned to cut him out of the deal and the defendant began hatching a scheme to kill him in response. Washington and Jordan held Jay at gunpoint at the recording studio on October 30, 2002, and instructed him to lie on the floor. Jordan then executed him with two fatal gunshots at close range.
Jam Master Jay of Run DMC performs on stage during the Respect Festival, Finsbury Park, London, United Kingdom, 2001. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)
The state called a witness who was at the recording studio that night and they corroborated the story. They claimed they were “confused and scared” to reveal Washington and Jordan’s identities in the years prior to the trial. “It’s about greed, it’s about money, it’s about jealousy,” Assistant US Attorney Artie McConnell said in the prosecution’s closing arguments. “And it’s about the actions of two men, Karl Jordan, Jr., and Ronald Washington, that the evidence proves are killers.”
Washington and Jordan’s defense centered around the case of Jay Bryant. They claimed he was the true killer. Bryant is set to go on trial on his own in 2026. When the guilty verdict was read, the courtroom erupted into chaos according to CNN. “Y’all just killed some innocent people. Get me outta here,” Washington shouted. Be on the lookout for further updates on Jam Master Jay on HotNewHipHop.
The trial for the murder of Jam Master Jay over 20 years ago is ramping up at a steady pace, with witness testimonies, questioning, and more evidence. However, according to the Associated Press, it seems like it overcame its first major speed bump recently, as the defense motioned for a mistrial and alleged that the prosecution exhibited misconduct. Moreover, these accusations relate to prosecutors’ questioning of a witness, which defense attorneys believe planted “a seed of prejudice” in the proceeding. As the court discussed this on Thursday (February 8), the judge realized that, regardless, they could still stay on track.
Furthermore, Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied the defense’s motion for mistrial in New York on Thursday. While she chastised the prosecution for their lines of questioning, she let the trial go on as planned and believe it won’t affect the outcome of the case. What’s more is that Hall even told the jury to ignore prosecutors’ questions and focus solely on the main point at hand: the murder of Jam Master Jay. Previously, she ruled that lyrics will not be admissible as evidence in this trial, Many saw as a solid victory no matter the verdict, given the controversy surrounding this practice.
Jam Master Jay of Run DMC performs on stage at the Respect Festival, Finsbury Park, London, United Kingdom, 2001. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)
For those unaware, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington are accused of carrying out the crime back in 2002. Washington’s ex-girlfriend Daynia McDonald testified on Thursday, adding to other emotional testimonies in the Jam Master Jay trial. She stated that Washington “basically said yes” when asked whether he was involved in the crime, and this is when the prosecution’s questioning got them in hot water. “Did he say he killed Jam Master Jay? Did he say that people get what they deserve?” they reportedly asked, which prompted the defense to claim misconduct. Nevertheless, McDonald endorsed both sentiments, and while the jury was out of the courtroom, Judge Hall reprimanded the prosecutors.
When the jury returned, she allowed for them to ask McDonald whether Washington “said anything else about [the] murder,” and she responded with “He just said that he killed him.” For what it’s worth, prosecutors claimed that witnesses would like out of fear of retaliation. So far at press time, nothing emerged to suggest that there were inconsistencies or faults in these testimonies. For more news and the latest updates on the Jam Master Jay trial, stay up to date on HNHH.
In a Brooklyn court on Monday, chilling testimony shed new light on the final moments before Jam Master Jay, the pioneering DJ of Run DMC, was fatally gunned down in his Queens studio in 2002. Witnesses detailed Jay’s involvement in the cocaine trade as a means to “make ends meet,” once his funds from his legendary group slowed down.
Lifelong friend Lydia High testified tearfully, recalling how Jay smiled and embraced one of his assassins moments before the fatal shots were fired. High, who visited the studio that night to have Jay sign paperwork for a major record deal, described the shocking turn of events as the gunman, believed to be Karl Jordan Jr., entered the studio.
Uriel “Tony” Rincon, also shot in the crime, identified Jordan as the killer by his profile and a distinctive “Golden Child” neck tattoo. Prosecutors allege that Jay’s death was a revenge killing stemming from a drug deal gone awry in Baltimore.
Ralph Mullgrav, a convicted drug dealer, testified about Jay’s involvement in cocaine trafficking, describing him as a “smaller player” in the drug trade. Mullgrav detailed how Jay sought to move a significant quantity of cocaine, involving another defendant, Ronald Washington, in the deal.
Mullgrav’s testimony, following his arrest and brief incarceration for refusing to testify, provided crucial insights into Jay’s alleged involvement in the drug trade and the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.
The trial, which continues on Tuesday, promises to unravel further details in this long-unsolved case, that claimed the life of an iconic figure in hip-hop history.
This week marked a pivotal moment in the long-awaited trial of the murder of hip-hop pioneer Jam Master Jay, as opening arguments shed light on the harrowing events that transpired nearly 20 years ago. The RUN-DMC DJ was tragically gunned down inside his recording studio in Jamaica, Queens, sending shockwaves through the music industry and the community at large.
According to chilling testimony reported by The Daily Mail, an eyewitness to the murder, Uriel ‘Tony’ Rincon, recounted the moment when Jay’s godson, Karl Jordan Jr., allegedly walked up to the superstar and gave a half handshake before fatally shooting him. Rincon tearfully described how he witnessed the shooter nonchalantly shrug off Jay’s limp body after the fatal shots were fired, leaving a haunting image etched in his memory.
The accused killer, Karl Jordan Jr., along with Ronald Washington, is now on trial in federal court for the October 2002 killing of the beloved Run-DMC star. The case remained unsolved for years, with witnesses unwilling to come forward, leaving the investigation at a standstill. Rincon, who was himself shot during the encounter, admitted to feeling scared to name names, despite seeing the killer’s tattoo as he fled the scene.
Rincon’s testimony revealed the fear and intimidation he faced in the aftermath of the murder, including an unsettling encounter with Jordan at Jay’s funeral. Despite the risks, Rincon ultimately came forward in 2017, driven by a sense of responsibility to provide closure to Jay’s family and ensure that justice was served.
Throughout his emotional testimony, Rincon painted a vivid picture of the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful night, providing crucial insight into the circumstances surrounding Jay’s murder. Prosecutors have alleged that the killing was the result of a drug deal gone wrong, further underscoring the complexities of the case.
As Rincon took the stand as the prosecution’s star witness, his courageous decision to testify serves as a testament to the enduring quest for justice in Jay’s case. With the trial now underway, the proceedings offer hope for closure and accountability, not only for Jay’s family but for the entire hip-hop community.
Run DMC member Jam Master Jay was tragically murdered in 2002 while in a New York recording studio. Though it’s taken decades, the men who are accused of the murder are now finally on trial. After jury selection got underway earlier this month the trial itself officially began at the start of this week. It’s already getting attention online as the judge ruled that lyrics were inadmissible as evidence in the trial and cited Future in his decision. But now just a few days into the trial proceedings there’s already new drama.
According to HipHopDX, late Monday night the prosecution filed a notice to the court. In the notice, they claimed that some of the witnesses in the trial were scared to testify and would even lie under oath to avoid retaliation. It’s unclear exactly how the judge will handle the notice and what adjustments may be made to the trial to accommodate it. This current trial is just for two of the three men accused of participating in the murder. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were indicted and arrested in 2020. A third man, Jay Bryant was arrested last year and his trial is expected to get underway in 2025.
All three of those accused of Jay’s murder have pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges that the three entered his recording studio in New York where the fatal shooting took place. Their telling of events identified Karl Jordan as the man responsible for actually pulling the trigger. Additionally, they claim he fired two shots from close range which ultimately resulted in the MCs untimely death.
Why it took so long for a case against the men to be brought forward isn’t clear. What do you think of the prosecution’s claims that witnesses in the Jam Master Jay trial would lie under oath for fear of retaliation? Let us know in the comment section below.
The use of rap lyrics in criminal trials has become a controversial issue in recent years, as cases like the racketeering case against Young Thug in Georgia have highlighted the discrepancy between how rappers are treated compared to other artists. As bills like RAP Act are being introduced federally and in states like California and New York to protect artists’ freedom of expression, each new high-profile trial must navigate the increasingly choppy waters of the decision of whether art imitates life.
In the upcoming trial against the accused killer of Jam Master Jay, a judge has determined that “music artists should be free to create without fear that their lyrics could be unfairly used against them.” According to Billboard, Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall has ruled that lyrics cannot be used as evidence against Karl Jordan Jr., who allegedly shot the Run-DMC DJ in his head in 2002. Prosecutors wanted to introduce the lyrics, which refer to just that violent act, as evidence of his involvement in the crime.
“We aim for the head, no body shots, and we stick around just to see the body drop.”
Hall elaborated on Tuesday (January 30), “Courts should be wary of overly permissive rules allowing the use of rap lyrics and videos against criminal defendants at trial. Music artists should be free to create without fear that their lyrics could be unfairly used against them at a trial.” Regarding the lyrics that prosecutors wanted to use, the savvy judge cited lyrics by Nas and Ice Cube, noting that they, like Jordan’s raps, “merely contain generic references to violence that can be found in many rap songs.” “Jordan’s lyrics are simply too imprecise,” she declared.
Her full statements are insightful and measured, and really get to the heart of the problem with using lyrics in court. She even references Kendrick Lamar’s “The Art of Peer Pressure” to point out the difference between artists confessing details of crimes in music and rap music’s incentivized lyrical tough-guy posturing. “Themes of violence and criminality have become so prevalent within the genre that they have little, if any, probative value at trial,” the judge wrote. “It is critical that resolution of guilt and innocence emerge from evidence with a close relationship to a specific criminal act, and not be based on perceptions born from the commercial and artistic promotion of a criminal lifestyle.”
Jam Master Jay of Run DMC’s murder went unsolved for a long time, but almost 22 years after it, we will at least get an answer when it comes to two prime suspects. Moreover, after the jury selection phase kicked off a few days ago at press time, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr.’s trial began with opening statements on Monday (January 29). They received these federal charges in 2020 for the Brooklyn incident, which they allegedly carried out as revenge for a cocaine deal gone wrong, prosecutors argue. If convicted of these crimes, they face life sentences in prison.
Furthermore, U.S. Disctrict Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall will oversee the trial, which is expected to last a month. When news first broke that Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers would face trial this month, many folks expressed a lack of hope in justice, if these are in fact the culprits. For one, some folks did witness the murder and police developed leads upon his loss, but these never came to fruition until the charges in August of 2020. In that way, it’s similar to unsolved cases in hip-hop such as the infamous and tragic examples of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur.
Jam Master Jay of Run DMC performs on stage at the Respect Festival, Finsbury Park, London, United Kingdom, 2001. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)
However, even though some rumored details of this trial didn’t manifest -– such as a double jury -– the details of the incident themselves remain murky. Prosecutors and the charges claim that Washington and Jordan intruded Jam Master Jay’s studio on October 30, 2002 at nighttime. Allegedly, Washington threatened another person in the room with a firearm, whereas Jordan shot Jay twice with one bullet striking his head at close range. In addition, prosecutors suggest that Jay had agreed to purchase 10 kilograms of cocaine that the suspects and other individuals distributed in Baltimore. The suspects chose to retaliate against the DJ when he exited the arrangement.
Meanwhile, Jay Bryant will face a separate trial for his alleged involvement in the murder, for which prosecutors charged him in May of 2023. Jordan and Washington maintain that attorneys waited too long to charge them, which will make it more difficult for them to prove their innocence due to faulty witness memory and cell phone records becoming unavailable over time. In September of 2022, a judge dismissed these concerns and questioned how they could counter prosecutors’ evidence in the first place. For more news and the latest updates on the Jam Master Jay trial, check back in with HNHH.
After nearly two decades of being clouded in mystery, the trial of the 2002 murder of Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, the iconic DJ of legendary hip hop group Run-DMC, is set to commence in a New York federal district court. The trial, involving defendants Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., marks a significant step towards justice in a case that has long haunted the hip hop music community.
Jam Master Jay’s untimely demise on October 30, 2002, sent shockwaves through the music industry. At just 37 years old, the influential DJ and father of three was fatally shot in his studio in Queens, New York. His murder remained unsolved for years until federal prosecutors announced indictments against Washington and Jordan in August 2022.
Ronald Washington, now 59, and Karl Jordan Jr., the alleged shooter who is currently 40 years old, both hailed from Hollis, Queens, like Mizell. They face charges including murder in connection with narcotics trafficking and firearms-related murder. Jordan, who was 18 at the time of the alleged crime, also faces additional counts related to narcotics distribution.
Prosecutors allege that the motive behind Mizell’s murder was linked to his involvement in acquiring a significant amount of cocaine intended for distribution. Allegedly, dispute arose when Mizell excluded Washington from the deal, leading to a plot to carry out the murder. Prosecutors describe the killing as “the ambush and execution of a renowned musician… in his own studio.”
The murder of Jam Master Jay shook the rap community, particularly given the legendary status of Run-DMC. Alongside Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl McDaniels, Mizell was instrumental in pioneering new-school hip hop and golden era hip hop, characterized by its blend of rock elements, sociopolitical commentary, and street culture aesthetic.
Run-DMC’s influence transcended music, shaping fashion and commercial endorsements. Their hit single “My Adidas” led to a groundbreaking endorsement deal with the athletic brand, while their collaboration with Aerosmith on “Walk This Way” revolutionized rap-rock fusion.
The trial represents a pivotal moment in the quest for justice for Jam Master Jay. Despite years of dormancy in the case, recent developments have brought it back to the forefront. Prosecutors have filed a superseding indictment against a third defendant, Jay Bryant, who will face a separate trial.
The trial for Run DMC member Jam Master Jay’s murder is finally getting underway more than 20 years after it happened. Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were first indicted for the murder back in 2020. Jay Bryant was also charged for his murder last year, though his trial isn’t due to start until much mater. With opening statements due to begin next week, an important part of the process for the upcoming trial got underway earlier today. Jury selection for the case began as the prosecution and defense will slim down a pool of jurors to those who will decide the fate of Jordan and Washington.
Prosecutors allege that the murder happened as a result of a disagreement over a drug deal. They claim that the three men in question entered Jay’s studio in New York. Once there they claim Jordan fatally shot him in the head from close range. Opening statements in the trial of Jordan and Washington are scheduled to begin on January 29. Both pleaded not guilty in order to take their chances at trial. Bryant, the third man accused, is being tried separately after his lawyer claims he can prove his innocence. He also claims that the other two defendants would turn on him if all three were tried together.
Jury Selection Begins For Jam Master Jay’s Murder Trial
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 05: Darryl McDaniels and Joseph ‘Run’ Simmons of the Hip Hop group “Run DMC” are seen at a photoshoot for Adidas in front of a Jam Master Jay mural by Kenya D. Lawton in Hollis Avenue, Queens. on October 05, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
For the trial of the first two men accused they’re looking for a unique jury approach. The prosecution requested the rare move of a split jury made up of two entirely separate groups. What do you think of the long-awaited murder trial of Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers getting under way soon? Do you think they’ll be found guilty of his murder? Let us know in the comment section below.
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