Jury deliberations continue in trial of Jam Master Jay’s death

Karl Jordan, the Run-DMC legend’s godson, and Ronald Washington, a childhood friend, are accused of shooting Jam Master Jay in the head in 2002.

Katelynn Ulrich and Adolfo Carrion

Feb 26, 2024, 10:49 PM

Updated 303 days ago

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After a full day of deliberations last Thursday, the jury in the trial of Run-DMC legend Jam Master Jay’s death is still working to agree on a verdict.
According to law enforcement sources, one juror asked to be removed from the case and was replaced with an alternate – meaning that previous deliberations were scrapped entirely, including two cross-testimony transcripts read to the jury on Thursday.
Karl Jordan, Master Jay’s godson, and Ronald Washington, a childhood friend of Master Jay, are accused of shooting Jam Master Jay in the head in 2002 at the DJ’s recording studio.
Prosecutors and an eyewitness say Jam Master Jay’s godson Karl Jordan shot the rap star while Ronald Washington stood at the door and brandished a gun. According to the government, the attack was spurred by bad blood over a drug deal.
Run-DMC was known for its anti-drug messages in songs and even a public service announcement. But prosecutors and another witness have said that Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell turned to the cocaine trade for money as the groundbreaking 1980s rap group’s career leveled off.
AP Wire Services contributed to this story.