NEW YORK – Two men have been convicted of the murder of Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay nearly two decades after his fatal shooting in 2002. The men, Karl Jordan Jr and Ronald Washington, were charged in 2020 with killing the 37-year-old victim, whose real name was Jason Mizell, in his New York recording studio.
Jam Master Jay was a part of the iconic rap group Run-DMC, known for hits like “King Of Rock,” “It’s Tricky,” and a reworking of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.” His murder was one of hip hop’s most notorious killings, joining the ranks of rap icons Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.
During the trial, assistant US attorney Artie McConnell emphasized the importance of delivering justice after waiting two decades for closure. The motive for the killing was alleged to be a drug deal gone wrong, although both Washington and Jordan maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.
Several witnesses testified, including former studio aide Uriel Rincon and Lydia High, former business manager for Jam Master Jay. They recounted the events leading up to the shooting, with Rincon stating that Jordan had approached the rapper right before shots were fired.
After being found guilty, Washington expressed his disbelief at the verdict, while Jordan thanked his supporters before being escorted out by US Marshals. A third man, Jay Bryant, who was also charged in connection with the murder, will face a separate trial in the upcoming years.
Lawyers defending Washington and Jordan raised questions about the credibility of the witnesses, pointing out inconsistencies in their testimonies. Despite the trial’s conclusion, the impact of Jam Master Jay’s legacy in the music industry remains significant, as his contributions to hip hop continue to resonate with fans worldwide.