After 22 years, the mystery surrounding the murder of Jam Master Jay has finally been solved. Karl Jordan Jr and Ronald Washington have been found guilty of all charges in connection to the music icon's 2002 killing. It took over two decades for justice to be served, but a federal jury reached a verdict on Tuesday, closing the unsolved murder case.
Jay's childhood friend Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr, Jay's godson, both pleaded not guilty to charges of murder while engaged in firearm-related murder and narcotics trafficking. Jordan also denied multiple counts of narcotics distribution.
The beloved musician, whose real name was Jason Mizell, was fatally shot at a recording studio in Jamaica, Queens, New York. For years, no arrests were made, leaving fans frustrated and seeking answers. In August 2020, a criminal indictment was unsealed by the US Attorney for the Eastern District, alleging that Washington and Jordan conspired to kill Jay over a drug dispute.
In May 2023, Jay Bryant, the third defendant, was charged with murder in connection with narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder. He entered a plea of not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for January 2026.
During the closing arguments, the defense lawyers for Washington and Jordan Jr claimed that Bryant was the actual perpetrator. They pointed out that a hat found at the crime scene contained only Bryant's DNA, and he was the only defendant captured on security cameras. Michael Hueston, Jordan's attorney, stated, "Jay Bryant is the epitome of reasonable doubt in this case."
Susan Kellman, Washington's attorney, accused the judicial system of making a mockery by not holding Jay Bryant accountable for the murder of Jam Master Jay. She claimed that they have no case against anyone else.
During the closing arguments, Assistant US Attorney Artie McConnell stated that the motive behind the crime was greed, money, and jealousy.
According to CNN, the two men, Karl Jordan, Jr. and Ronald Washington, are being accused of being responsible for the death of Jam Master Jay. The late Jam Master Jay was a renowned Hip-Hop music icon and the DJ for the famous group Run-DMC, alongside Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "D.M.C" McDaniels.
