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One of the men charged with Jam Master Jay's death has pleaded guilty during a recent hearing about the Run-D.M.C. DJ's murder case.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York announced that Jay Bryant admitted his role in the death of Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell. The 52-year-old man appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg on Monday, April 27, and entered his plea. Bryant was charged with being an accomplice in the fatal shooting that ended Mizell's life in 2002, along with other narcotics trafficking and firearms charges. He faced 15 to 20 years in prison.
“Justice in the murder of Jam Master Jay has been pursued with determination and resolve for more than two decades. The defendant’s role in facilitating access for the killers was integral to this crime,” said ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo. “Today’s guilty plea reflects the dedication of law enforcement and prosecutors who never stopped working to bring accountability for the victim and his family."
Bryant was accused of helping Karl Jordan, Jr., and Ronald Washington carry out the murder of Mizell. On the night of October 30, 2002, Bryant entered the building where Mizell's "24/7" recording studio was located in Jamaica, Queens, and opened a locked fire escape exit door for Jordan and Washington. They were able to enter the building without being seen by Mizell. The duo infiltrated Mizell's studio with firearms. Washington threatened a woman to get on the ground while Jordan shot Mizell in the head at close range.
Washington and Jordan targeted Mizell due to a dispute over a drug deal worth nearly $200,000. The rap icon reportedly acquired 10 kilos of cocaine two months before and had agreed to allow Washington, Jordan, and others to distribute it in Maryland. A disagreement between Washington and another co-conspirator led Mizell to cut Washington and Jordan out of the deal.
Jordan and Washington were arrested and charged with Mizell's murder in 2020. They were convicted on one count of firearm-related murder and one count of murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking in 2024. A judge recently overturned Jordan's conviction, but he will remain behind bars while prosecutors appeal that decision.