Third Man Charged In Jam Master Jay’s 2002 Shooting Death
Over two decades after Jam Master Jay was killed, a third man was reportedly charged with his shooting death.
According to the Associated Press, Jay Bryant was charged on Tuesday (May 30) after federal prosecutors filed an indictment in Brooklyn. The 49-year-old is already in custody for unrelated drug charges, reports the outlet.
Jason “Jay” Mizell was shot in the head at his studio on October 30, 2002, while playing video games. He was 37 at the time of his death.
Jam Master Jay’s Alleged Killer Wants Charges Dismissed Or A Solo Trial
The other two suspects in the death of the Run-DMC co-founder and turntablist, Karl Jordan and Ronald Washington, are accused of conspiring to kill Jay at his recording studio over a bad drug deal. Jordan allegedly fatally shot Jay, while Washington is charged with conspiracy, although he didn’t pull the trigger himself.
Those 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 before gunfire erupted.
One round missed. However, a second was fired at point-blank range into his head, killing him. Law enforcement has recorded that at least four other men were in the studio with Jay.
César de Castro, Bryant’s attorney, said his client will plead not guilty. "The charges were only revealed yesterday," he wrote in an email to PEOPLE. "Mr. Bryant will plead not guilty."
"We remain confused why, after more than 20 years and charging two individuals three years ago, does the government now allegedly think that they have sufficient evidence to charge Mr. Bryant," Castro added.
