Queens, New York – After nearly 22 years, justice has been served in the case of the fatal shooting of Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay in his Queens recording studio. Two men, Karl Jordan Jr., 40, and Ronald Washington, 59, have been convicted of his murder, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
The Brooklyn federal jury found Jordan and Washington guilty of killing the hip-hop legend, born Jason William Mizell, over a dispute related to a drug deal on October 30, 2002. Both men now face a minimum of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment for their crimes.
United States Attorney Breon Peace expressed relief that Jordan and Washington have finally been held accountable for their cold-blooded actions, driven by greed and revenge. The tragic loss of Jam Master Jay, a hip hop icon whose music was beloved by many, has left a lasting impact on the community. The prosecutors, NYPD detectives, and Special Agents worked tirelessly to seek justice for the victim, his family, and the community.
According to information presented at trial, Jam Master Jay was involved in arranging the sale of cocaine in the Eastern District of New York and beyond. A dispute over a drug deal resulted in the musician cutting Washington and Jordan out of a significant transaction worth almost $200,000. This betrayal led the two men to plot and carry out the murder of Mizell in October 2002.
Both Jordan and Washington had been suspected of involvement in Jam Master Jay’s death for years before their arrests in 2020. On the fateful night of the murder, a co-conspirator aided Jordan and Washington in gaining access to the recording studio where the fatal shooting took place. Jordan was identified as the shooter by a witness, and Washington was reported to have been present in the studio during the murder.
The co-conspirator who facilitated their entry into the building will face trial in 2026 for their alleged involvement in the crime. In addition to murder, Jordan is also facing charges related to drug distribution, which will be tried at a later date. Run-DMC, the iconic hip hop group founded by Jam Master Jay, continues to inspire fans with their legendary hits that have shaped the genre over the years.