Two men convicted of Run-DMC star's murder in 2002

Karl Jordan Jr, 40, and Ronald Washington, 59, were convicted of the 2002 murder of Run-DMC star. The men targeted the musician after being excluded from a drug deal.

Karl Jordan Jr, 40, and Ronald Washington, 59, targeted the Run-DMC star after being cut out of a drug deal.

Karl Jordan Jr., aged 40, and Ronald Washington, aged 59, allegedly targeted the musician at his recording studio after being excluded from a drug deal, as revealed during the trial.

The renowned hip-hop figure, known as Jason Mizell, was 37 years old when he suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head in Queens on October 30, 2002.

Jordan and Washington now face a potential sentence of 20 years to life imprisonment.

Following the guilty verdict, Washington reportedly shouted at the jury, “Y’all just killed two innocent people,” as stated by the Associated Press. Jordan’s supporters joined in, expressing outrage and cursing the jury.

Mizell co-founded Run-DMC with Joseph Simmons and Darryl McDaniels, all hailing from the Hollis neighborhood in Queens, New York. The group rose to prominence as one of the most influential hip-hop acts of all time, producing numerous hits in the 1980s, including tracks like “It’s Tricky,” “It’s Like That,” and the collaboration with Aerosmith, “Walk This Way.”

Despite publicly advocating against drug use and participating in anti-drug public service announcements, Mizell allegedly turned to cocaine trafficking as Run-DMC’s popularity waned in the 1990s.

Prosecutors asserted that Jordan, Mizell’s godson, and Washington, a childhood friend residing with Mizell’s sister, believed they would be involved in a nearly $200,000 drug deal. Their exclusion from the deal reportedly incited their anger.

During a month-long trial, defense attorney Ezra Spilke characterized the prosecution’s narrative as “one among many interpretations.” The defense also questioned the reliability of eyewitness testimonies given the passage of time.

In contrast, prosecutors presented numerous witnesses and forensic evidence, alleging that the accused orchestrated an “execution” driven by greed and vengeance.

Despite long-standing suspicions, the murder remained unsolved until federal prosecutors charged the defendants in 2020. Two crucial eyewitnesses initially refrained from identifying the perpetrators but later altered their accounts when the case reopened in 2016.

Uriel “Tony” Rincon recounted playing a video game with Mizell when Jordan entered, greeted the hip-hop star, and opened fire, causing Mizell to collapse.

Lydia High, an employee at Mizell’s JMJ Records label, also witnessed the shooting and recounted being ordered to the floor by Washington as the assailants fled.

Both witnesses cited fear as the reason for their initial reluctance to identify the perpetrators. Mr. Rincon testified that he believed Mizell’s family deserved closure and the truth about the events.

Additional witnesses testified that Jordan boasted about his involvement in the murder. According to US prosecutor Breon Peace, those present at the recording studio feared retaliation if they cooperated with law enforcement.

Jay Bryant faces a separate trial related to the case, scheduled for 2026, accused of facilitating Jordan and Washington’s entry through the studio’s rear door.

There has been a major breakthrough in the case of the tragic murder of Run-DMC’s Jason ‘Jam Master Jay’ Mizell. Just yesterday, two men were finally convicted of his murder, bringing some long-awaited closure to his family, friends, and fans.

Back in 2002, the music world was shocked by the senseless killing of the legendary DJ, and for years, there were more questions than answers surrounding this heartbreaking event. But now, with these convictions, there’s hope that justice is finally being served.

Jam Master Jay was not just a talented musician but also a beloved member of the hip-hop community. His influence and impact on the industry continue to be felt to this day, and his legacy will always be remembered.

It’s a relief to see progress in this case after so many years, and while it won’t bring Jam Master Jay back, it’s a step towards closure for those who knew and loved him. Let’s hope that this verdict brings some peace to his loved ones and that justice prevails.

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