A federal judge has overturned the conviction of one of two men found guilty in the murder of Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay, reports Billboard. Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall granted the motion for acquittal of Karl Jordan Jr., who was found guilty in 2024 of killing Mizell, his godfather and the D.J. for legendary rap group Run D.M.C., over a drug-related conspiracy. Ronald Washington, who was also found guilty in the killing, was denied a motion for acquittal.
In her 29-page ruling, Judge Hall wrote that the government lacked proof that the murder had been drug-related. Mizell was playing video games at his studio Queens, on Oct. 30, 2002, when a gunman shot him in the head. Despite witnesses present, the case sat cold for nearly two decades; murder charges were eventually filed against Jordan Jr. and Washington in 2020. In 2023, federal prosecutors charged a third man, Jay Bryant, with taking part in the killing of Jam Master Jay. Bryant has pleaded not guilty, and he will stand trial in January 2026.
In a statement to Pitchfork, Jordan’s attorney’s wrote, “On behalf of Mr. Jordan and his family, today’s decision brings a measure of solace as they approach the holiday season.” A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York said the decision is currently being reviewed. Attorneys for Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This is a developing story…
