After 21 years of uncertainty and unanswered questions, the family of Jam Master Jay, the iconic DJ of Run-DMC, can finally find closure. Prosecutors have announced charging a third suspect in the 2002 murder case.
Jay Bryant, 49, allegedly entered the Queens studio where the hip-hop artist, whose real name was Jason Mizell, was fatally shot. The discovery of Bryant’s DNA on his clothing at the crime scene has led to the charges of murder and drug trafficking against him.
With this latest development, all individuals involved in Mizell’s murder have now been brought to justice.
The investigation into the murder of Jam Master Jay has been a long and arduous process. With the charging of Jay Bryant, the final piece of the puzzle has fallen into place. Bryant, already in custody on unrelated federal drug charges, now faces severe allegations of murder and drug trafficking.
Karl Jordan and Ronald Washington were previously charged in connection with Mizell’s murder. According to prosecutors, Jam Master Jay was tragically shot in the head during a drug deal gone wrong. The indictment and subsequent arrests bring a sense of closure to Mizell’s family and the hip-hop community that mourned his untimely passing.
The charging of the final suspect marks a significant milestone in this decades-long investigation. It is a testament to law enforcement’s relentless pursuit of justice and commitment to bringing closure to the loved ones of those affected by this heinous crime.
While nothing can fully ease the pain of the loss suffered by Jam Master Jay’s family and friends, the charges against all involved bring a measure of accountability and a step toward healing.
Updated by Nicole Bartley (5/31/2023)
Jam Master Jay’s Alleged Killers Are Finally Going To Trial
Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers will finally be going to trial. This follows after the federal judge presiding over the case denied their request for dismissal.
According to reports by Rolling Stone, Run DMC’s Jam Master Jay’s alleged murderers, Karl Jordan Jr., and Ronald Washington will finally be going to trial after being charged back in 2020 for the alleged murder.
Their lawyers argued that prosecutors waited too long to press charges, which resulted in evidence and other essential details being lost from witnesses.
However, Federal Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied their request to dismiss the case.
Hall wrote:
“Conspicuously absent from Jordan’s argument is any factual support for his claim. In the absence of any factual support, the court has no idea what Jordan believes the phone records contain, how they could conceivably contradict the Government’s evidence, and how those contradictions could conceivably demonstrate that Jordan did not commit the crime.”
Jam Master Jay’s Suspected Killers Finally Arrested For 2002 Murder: “It Was All Over Drugs”
Late Run-DMC group member Jam Master Jay‘s possible killers may finally be in police custody nearly 20 years after the music mogul’s slaying.
Jam Master Jay Killers Arrested
According to reports, at least two men have landed in handcuffs and have connections to Jay a.k.a. Jason Mizell’s 2002 death. Law enforcement sources have also provided details on what ultimately motivated his life being taken away from him.
“It was all over drugs,” said a former investigator who worked on the case. One of the men, Ronald Washington, had long been suspected of being involved in the hip-hop pioneer’s execution-style murder in his Queens studio, the source said. Jay, 37, whose real name was Jason Mizell, was believed to have ponied up $15,000, while a pal put in another $15,000, to buy a total of 2 kilos of coke that the pair then planned to turn around and peddle. (The Post)
High-Key Details
Jay was reportedly new to the street hustle and even found himself allegedly getting robbed. JMJ’s decision to not pay up after the attack ultimately cost him his life.
Mizell was new to the drug world and just hoped to score a quick buck, sources told The Post around the time of his murder. But intermediaries who were friends of Mizell instead allegedly took both the cash and drugs and split. When the drug suppliers still demanded their dough, Mizell balked at paying any more, sources said. “He said he got robbed, [too], and couldn’t pay them back,” the former prober said. “After awhile, [the suppliers] said, ‘F–k it,’ and killed him,” the source said. “It looked like he had no way or intention of paying them, and they f–king shot him. (The Post)
Wait, There’s More
Over the years, various hip-hop artists have remembered Jay’s legacy and celebrated his life across social media.
Before You Go
Jam Master Jay had his life taken from him through gun violence.
Authorities confirmed that Jay, born Jason Mizell, was fatally shot inside a studio on Merrick Boulevard at 7:30 p.m. local time. Another victim, Uriel Rincon, was shot in the leg. Rincon, 25, is listed in stable condition at an area hospital. Mizell, 37, is survived by his wife, three sons, mother, brother and sister. (MTV)
Additional reporting by Aevum Caelum