Opening statements are set to begin on Monday in the federal murder trial of Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, who stand accused in the 2002 killing of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay. The case marks the first trial among a series of long-unsolved slayings of major rap stars.
Jay, born Jason Mizell, was a member of the influential hip-hop group Run-DMC, along with Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels and Joseph Simmons, known as DJ Run and Rev. Run. They achieved groundbreaking success in the 1980s, becoming the first rappers with gold and platinum albums and a Rolling Stone cover. Run-DMC's collaboration with Aerosmith on the hit song 'Walk This Way' shattered barriers between rap and rock, ultimately catapulting the group to extraordinary fame. In 2009, Run-DMC was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
While establishing themselves as rap pioneers, Run-DMC also made their stance against drugs and crime clear. The group released the platinum-selling single 'It's Tricky,' which included the lyrics 'We are not thugs, we don't use drugs.' They actively participated in anti-drug campaigns, peace initiatives, and community outreach programs. Jay, in particular, mentored aspiring artists and played a significant role in shaping the rap scene.
On October 30, 2002, Jay was tragically killed at his recording studio in Hollis, New York. His death remained unsolved for almost two decades, joining the list of concerning unsolved murders of prominent rap stars, including Tupac Shakur in 1996 and The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997. However, recent developments led to the arrest of Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington in 2020. They now face charges related to Jay's murder.
According to prosecutors, Washington and Jordan allegedly confronted Jay at his studio after being granted access. Washington purportedly brandished a gun, ordering a witness to the floor, while Jordan allegedly shot Jay in the head and another witness in the leg. The motive, prosecutors claim, was anger stemming from Jay's plans to cut Washington out of a cocaine distribution scheme in Maryland. The prosecution maintains that the DJ had been involved in major drug deals since 1996, a claim vehemently denied by Jay's family.
The investigation into Jam Master Jay's murder faced numerous challenges over the years, including a lack of cooperation from witnesses. However, recent efforts undertaken by authorities, such as interviewing new individuals, conducting ballistics tests, and securing crucial witness cooperation, are said to have brought the case closer to resolution.
While prosecutors build their case against Washington and Jordan, defense lawyers have criticized the government's handling of the case, accusing them of delaying indictments and compromising the ability to mount a proper defense. Jordan's defense team argues that he does not match the DNA found on a wool hat discovered at the crime scene, and they raise questions about the reliability of witness identification.
Jordan, described by prosecutors as a seasoned drug dealer, has been charged not only in relation to Jay's murder but also with gun and cocaine offenses. His defense contends that the accusations against him have been fueled by his own rap lyrics and videos, which they argue should not be considered as evidence of guilt.
If convicted, both Washington and Jordan could face a minimum of 20 years in prison, as the government has stated that it will not seek the death penalty. As the trial gets underway, the hip-hop and music communities await the outcome, hoping for justice in a case that has lingered for almost two decades.
