Why is Karl Jordan Jr. seeking a $1 million bond?

Karl Jordan Jr. is seeking a $1 million bond because his murder conviction in the killing of Jam Master Jay was recently overturned by a judge due to insufficient evidence.

What are the current charges against Karl Jordan Jr.?

Karl Jordan Jr. remains under unrelated federal drug charges, for which plea talks are reportedly open.

When was Jam Master Jay killed and who was convicted?

Jam Master Jay was killed in 2002, and Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were convicted in 2024 for his death, though Jordan's conviction was later overturned.

Home / Crime and Justice / Jam Master Jay Murder Conviction Overturned; Seeks Bond

Jam Master Jay Murder Conviction Overturned; Seeks Bond

31 Jan

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Summary

Karl Jordan Jr. seeks $1 million bond after murder conviction overturned.
U.S. District Judge ruled insufficient evidence for conviction.
Jordan remains under unrelated federal drug charges.

Jam Master Jay Murder Conviction Overturned; Seeks Bond

A bid for freedom on a $1 million bond has been submitted for Karl Jordan Jr., following the recent overturning of his murder conviction in the 2024 killing of hip-hop icon Jam Master Jay. Jordan's attorneys contend that "seismic changes in circumstances" now warrant his release pending the prosecution's appeal of the reversal.

In December 2025, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall ruled there was insufficient evidence to support Jordan's federal murder conviction, acquitting him while upholding co-defendant Ronald Washington's conviction. Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, was fatally shot in his New York City studio in 2002.

Jordan, who is also facing separate federal drug charges, has endured significant hardship during his over five years in federal jail, including a severe stabbing attack. His legal team highlighted these ongoing "physical, mental and emotional scars" in their filing Friday. Plea discussions for the drug charges are reportedly open.