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Rap Legend's Killer Admits Role After 24 Years
27 Apr
Summary
- Jay Bryant admits to facilitating the ambush of DJ Jam Master Jay.
- The DJ was killed in his Queens recording studio in October 2002.
- Bryant's confession brings closure after decades of investigation.
A man has admitted to a role in the killing of Jam Master Jay, the DJ from the groundbreaking hip-hop group Run-DMC. Jay Bryant, 52, pleaded guilty to a federal murder charge, confessing that he enabled others to ambush the artist, born Jason Mizell, in his recording studio. He stated he knew a gun would be used and that his actions were wrong.
Mizell, a pivotal turntablist in Run-DMC, was shot and killed at age 37 in his Queens studio in October 2002. His death occurred amidst a period of heightened violence in the hip-hop community, following the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. in the late 1990s.
Investigators identified Karl Jordan Jr., Mizell's godson, and Ronald Washington, an old friend, as involved parties. Prosecutors alleged they were motivated by a dispute over a failed cocaine deal. Bryant's DNA was found on a hat at the crime scene, leading to his indictment. He has since pleaded guilty to unrelated federal drug and gun charges.
