Who killed Jam Master Jay?

On October 30, 2002, the music industry lost one of its most iconic figures, Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, the DJ for the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC. Mizell was shot and killed in his recording studio in Queens, New York, in what has been a cold case for almost two decades.

The murder of Jam Master Jay, who was 37 years old at the time of his death, shocked the music industry and his fans. Despite numerous investigations, the case remained unsolved for almost 18 years, leaving many people wondering who could have committed such a heinous crime.

Finally, in August 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York announced that two men had been charged with the murder of Jam Master Jay. Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. were accused of carrying out the murder in what prosecutors said was a drug-related dispute.

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According to the indictment, Washington and Jordan entered Mizell’s recording studio in Queens on the day of the murder. Washington was armed with a .40-caliber handgun, which he used to shoot Mizell in the head at close range. Jordan was allegedly the lookout during the shooting.

The indictment also alleged that Washington and Jordan were involved in a drug trafficking operation in which they sold cocaine and marijuana in the New York City area. Mizell was allegedly involved in the same drug trafficking operation, and the dispute that led to his murder was reportedly over a drug deal gone wrong.

The news of the arrests was met with relief by Mizell’s family and friends, who had been waiting for justice for almost two decades. In a statement, Mizell’s family thanked law enforcement officials for their work on the case and said they hoped the trial would provide closure for everyone affected by Mizell’s death.

The trial, which began in September 2021, was closely watched by Mizell’s fans and the music industry. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that they said linked Washington and Jordan to the murder, including DNA evidence and testimony from witnesses.

The defense, however, argued that the evidence was circumstantial and that there were other possible suspects who had not been thoroughly investigated. They also pointed to the fact that some of the witnesses who testified against Washington and Jordan had criminal records and could not be trusted.

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After three weeks of testimony, the jury deliberated for just over two days before returning a guilty verdict on all counts against Washington and Jordan. They were each convicted of murder while engaged in drug trafficking, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

The verdict was hailed as a victory for justice and a reminder that even cold cases can be solved with determination and the use of modern technology. Mizell’s legacy as a pioneer of hip-hop music and culture continues to live on, and the resolution of his murder case provides some measure of closure for his family, friends, and fans.