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The cold case of Jam Master Jay may have a resolution in September.
Two suspects involved are facing 20 years to life in prison.
Jam Master Jay was murdered on the night of October 30, 2002.
The producer and DJ spent 19 years with the Hip-Hop pioneering Run-DMC before his death. A 10-count indictment against two suspects was announced on August 17, 2020. The Eastern District of New York is charging Ronald Washington (56) and Karl Jordan Jr. (36) for the murder of Jason Mizell aka Jam Master Jay. Karl Jordan Jr., who was 16 at the time, is being tried as an adult. He is also being charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and seven counts of cocaine distribution. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
According to the August 17 press release, the court has reason to believe that these two men are responsible for Jam Master Jay’s death. The court allegedly found that on October 30, 2002, Jam Master Jay was present at his recording studio, 24/7 Studio in Queens. Around 7:30 P.M., Washington and Jordan, armed with firearms, entered the studio. Washington aimed his firearm at an person located inside the studio. Then demanded that the person lie on the floor. Jordan approached Jam Master Jay, pointed his firearm at him, and fired two shots at close range, hitting him once in the head, thus killing him. The second shot struck another person in the leg.
The prosecutors believe that reasoning behind the confrontation was because Jam Master Jay previously acquired about 10 kilograms of cocaine from a narcotics supplier in the Midwest.
According to AllHipHop, the narcotics supplier was allegedly the Black Mafia Family. The drugs were allegedly intended to be distributed in Maryland by Washington, Jordan and other co-conspirators. Allegedly, Jam Master Jay told Washington that he would not be involved in distributing the $1.7 million worth of drugs in Maryland. This disagreement then precipitated the confrontation that ended fatally. It was just announced that the jury selection for the trial will take place on September 22 and opening statements and testimony will begin on September 26. These dates will stand true, if there aren’t any delays like COVID-19.
Acting United States Attorney Seth D. DuCharme stated the following on August 17.
The defendants allegedly carried out the cold-blooded murder of Jason Mizell, a brazen act that has finally caught up with them thanks to the dedicated detectives, agents and prosecutors who never gave up on this case.
The charges announced today begin to provide a measure of justice to the family and friends of the victim, and make clear that the rule of law will be upheld, whether that takes days, months or decades.
Immediately after Jam Master Jay’s death, the Scratch DJ Academy was created in his name. He was the person that influenced Rev Run and D.M.C. to start rocking the Adidas Superstars with the tracksuits to match. He helped rap group Onyx and rapper 50 Cent get their first looks in the music industry, after signing to his label Jam Master Jay Records. Jam Master Jay was probably the first DJ ever to use Anvil Cases opposed to the clunky foam pieces to support turntables during concerts.
His legacy continues to live on with his four children. Jason Mizell Jr. and TJ Mizell both became DJs and producers, while Jesse Mizell went to college for business. Jesse runs the Mizell creative agency, Doperoots. His only daughter, Tyra Myricks, sought entrepreneurial duties. She owns a fashion line, a website for entrepreneurial resources, a pizza shop, and co-owns a gym in LA.
