Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Trial Verdict of Jam Master Jay’s Murder
A verdict has been reached in the trial of two men from Hollis, Queens, who were charged for the Oct. 30, 2002, murder of Jam Master Jay, a member of the iconic hip-hop group Run-DMC. Karl Jordan Jr., also known as “Little D” and “Noid,” and Ronald Washington, also known as “Tinard,” were each charged with one count of murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and one count of firearm-related murder for the fatal shooting of Jam Master Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell.
The Location of the Incident
The fatal shooting took place at Mizell’s recording studio, 24/7 Studio, on Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens, at around 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2002. Prosecutors alleged that Washington and Jordan entered the studio armed, with Washington pointing his firearm at an individual and demanding that they lie on the floor, while Jordan fired two shots at Mizell at close range.
The Allegations and Trial Proceedings
Prosecutors claimed during the trial that Mizell was murdered by Jordan and Washington because he was allegedly going to cut them out of a cocaine distribution deal involving approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine acquired from a narcotics supplier in the Midwest. The trial began on Jan. 29, and both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Defense Argument and Outcome
During closing arguments, the defense attorneys for Jordan and Washington argued that there was no physical evidence linking their clients to the fatal shooting. They pointed the finger at a third man who was charged in the fatal shooting and is expected to face trial in 2025. The verdict was expected to be read at 3:30 p.m., and each defendant faced a minimum of 20 years to life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.
Jam Master Jay’s Legacy
Jason Mizell, known as Jam Master Jay, rose to fame in the 1980s as part of the pioneering hip-hop trio Run DMC. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 and received rap’s first Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Mizell’s legacy as a DJ and music icon continues to inspire generations of artists and fans.
ABC News’ Aaron Katersky contributed to this report.
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