Jam Master Jay Murder Trial Gets Starting Date
The two men accused of killing hip hop legend Jam Master Jay in 2002 will reportedly be heading to trial later this year.
AllHipHop reports that jury selection for the case will begin on September 22, while opening statements and testimony will start on September 26, barring scheduling conflicts. If COVID-19 produces any issues surrounding the trial, a backup date will be set for February 2023. The government expects the trial to last roughly two weeks.
The New York Post reports that federal prosecutors won’t pursue a death sentence if the two men are found guilty at their upcoming trial.
Karl Jordan and Ronald Washington are accused of conspiring to kill the Run-DMC co-founder and turntablist at his recording studio over a drug deal gone bad. Jordan allegedly fatally shot Jay while Washington is charged with conspiracy, although he didn’t pull the trigger himself.
The suspects are facing life in prison if convicted. Jordan and Washington, who were arrested in 2020, reportedly buzzed through security with one of them subsequently hugging Jay, born Jason Mizell, before gunfire erupted.
One round missed, however a second was fired at point blank range into his head, killing him. Law enforcement has gone on record revealing that at least four other men were in the studio with Jay.
