News
Two Suspects Arrested in the 2002 Murder of Jam Master Jay
The untimely death of Jam Master Jay remained an unsolved mystery for nearly two decades; has finally came to an end. Yesterday (August 17) during a conference, federal officials in conjunction with the New York Police Department announced the indictments of two male suspects who allegedly were connected to the murder of Jam Master Jay. The prolific DJ was shot and killed at his Jamaica, Queens studio on October 30, 2002.
Suspects identified the allege suspects as Ronald Washington (56) and Karl Jordan (36). Washington who currently is serving a lengthy federal prison sentence for robbery whilst Jordan was taken into custody on Sunday (August 16) for the connection of the murder of Jam Master Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell.
In a 10-count indictment released on Monday; revealed publicly for the first time of the motive that prompted the slaying for nearly 20 years. Federal Prosecutors alleged the two suspects entered into the DJ’s studio in pursuit of locating 10 kilos of cocaine to distribute to Maryland.
Mizell, who allegedly was in possession of the substance, refused to partake involvement of distributing the narcotics to Maryland, according to NBC New York. A combative verbal interaction ensued in which insinuated both Washington and Jordan to withdraw their guns, resulting to Jordan who was 18 at the time to deliver the fatal shot that killed Mizell.
Both Jordan and Washington are faced with 2nddegree murder, possession of narcotics, aggravated robbery, and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. Jordan also acquired seven additional charges in relations to narcotics and possession of a firearm. It is unclear if Washington would obtain the same charges.
During a 10-minute public conference with Federal Officials and NYPD, some details were released of the tragic situation that transpired back in 2002.
“This case has been around for a long time,” acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, enunciated while announcing the grand jury indictment on Monday. “For the crime of murder, the passage of time offers you no escape.”
NYPD Chief of Detectives, Rodney Harrison, offered gratitude and high praises to the investigators who were involved of solving this cold case. “Me being a native of Queens and being a fan of Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay, making this arrest was very important to me,” Harrison explained to reporters during the conference.
It was reported that Ronald Washington had been sleeping on Jam Master Jay’s couch, days before the murder. Allegedly, during the fiasco – he urged the patrons inside the Queens studio to lay down before Jordan unloaded the fatal shot.
Washington was previously a link into the killing of Randy Walker, who was a close friend of the late Tupac Shakur back in 1995, whilst Jordan was a link to the shooting of Jam Master Jay’s nephew.
Jason Mizell who’s profoundly recognized as Jam Master Jay was a member of Run-DMC, alongside Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. Run-DMC can arguably be considered Hip-Hop’s most influential collective that broke barriers to permit the genre to crossover mainstream back in the 1980s. The group utilized their rapping skills, vibrant energy, and positivity to embark on many hits, including “It’s Tricky,” and their most noted record, “Walk This Way,” featuring Rock Band, Aerosmith.
In 2009, Run-DMC were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.
After receiving news of the indictment, both Mizell’s family and group members, released some statements.
“Upon hearing this news, we have mixed emotions. We truly hope that these indictments are a solid step towards justice being served in the murder of Jay. We realize that there are other families out there who have lingering pain who continue to wait for their own closure, and we pray that this case gives them hope,” the Mizell family stated. “In spite of all the tragedies we’ve seen this year alone, we take comfort in our family, our faith and in time’s ability to heal all. We can only hope that this news brings awareness to the fact that Black lives do matter.”
Bandmate Darryl “DMC” McDaniels stated that he was “relieved” upon hearing the charges.
On a social media post, McDaniels stated:
“Although this latest news opens up a lot of painful memories for all of us who knew and loved Jam Master Jay, I’m relieved to hear that 2 suspects have been arrested and charged with his murder. It’s been a difficult 18 years not having him around while knowing that his murderers were not yet indicted for this heinous crime … I realize this is a first step in the judicial process, but I hope Jay can finally Rest in Peace.”
Jam Master Jay is survived by his wife Terri Corley, his four children, and extended family members.
