By Aaron Miller And Isabelle Wilson-
Two men have been found guilty in one f hip pop’s most notorious cases- the murder of Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay.
The verdict, delivered after years of painstaking investigation and legal proceedings, marks a significant milestone in the quest for closure for the family and fans of the beloved DJ.
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The victim of this tragic incident, Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, fell victim to a brutal attack in a New York City recording studio back in 2002.
Although the group was publicly against drug use and made anti-drug public service announcements, Mizell turned to cocaine trafficking as their popularity began to fade in the 1990s.
“Y’all just killed two innocent people,” Washington yelled at the jury after the guilty verdict, according to the Associated Press. Jordan’s supporters also began shouting and cursed the jury.
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Despite being suspects for years, the murder remained unsolved before the defendants were charged by federal prosecutors in 2020.
Two key eyewitnesses denied they could identify the killers for years until they changed their stories after the case was reopened in 2016.
Uriel “Tony” Rincon testified that he was playing a video game with Mizell when Jordan walked into the room, shook hands with the hip-hop star and then started shooting.
“And then I see Jay just fall,” he said.
A woman who worked for Mizell’s JMJ Records label, Lydia High, also witnessed the shooting and said Washington ordered her to the floor as the killers made their escape.
Both witnesses said fear prevented them from identifying the killers earlier.
“I felt that [Mizell’s] wife and his children needed closure, and I felt that they should know what took place,” Mr Rincon testified during the trial.
Prosecutors allege that the motive behind the murder was rooted in revenge, stemming from Mizell’s decision to cut Jordan and his accomplice Ronald Washington out of a lucrative cocaine deal worth £200,000.
Throughout the trial, the courtroom became a battleground of conflicting narratives, with witnesses recounting the events leading up to that fat
Left to right: Run (Joseph Simmons), Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell) and DMC (Darryl McDaniels). Image: Michael Ochs Archives, via Getty Image
Despite vehement denials from the defendants, the jury delivered a resounding verdict, holding both Jordan and Washington accountable for their roles in the heinous crime.
“Y’all just killed two innocent people,” Washington yelled at the jury after the guilty verdict, according to the Associated Press. Jordan’s supporters also began shouting and cursed the jury.
The convictions carry significant penalties, with the defendants facing at least 20 years behind bars and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Federal prosecutors lauded the bravery of the witnesses who came forward, emphasizing the pivotal role their testimony played in securing justice for Mizell and his family.
The case, which remained shrouded in mystery for nearly two decades, was a reflection of the challenges of prosecuting long-dormant cases and the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of truth and accountability.
A founding member of Run-DMC, Mizell left a mark on the world of hip-hop, his innovative style and infectious beats shaping the genre for generations to come. His loss was keenly felt by fans around the globe, who mourned the passing of a true icon.
Despite the defendant’s protestations of innocence, the evidence presented in court painted a damning portrait of their culpability in the crime. With the jury’s verdict now rendered, the defendants must face the consequences of their actions, and face the weight of their choices and the impact of their deeds on the lives of others.
In the annals of hip-hop history, Jam Master Jay’s legacy lives on, his contributions to the genre immortalized in his groundbreaking music and enduring influence.
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