The murder of Jam Master Jay has remained a mystery for nearly 18 years ever since he was shot on October 30, 2002.
The New York Times reports that two men, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., have been indicted on charges of murder while engaged in drug trafficking.
Washington and Jordan Jr. have long been suspected of participating in the murder of the Run-DMC DJ.
Following their arrests, Jam Master Jay's family and his former bandmate Darryl “D.M.C” McDaniels released statements.
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels said in a statement via Spin.
“Although this latest news opens up a lot of painful memories for all of us who knew and loved Jam Master Jay, I’m relieved to hear that 2 suspects have been arrested and charged with his murder. It’s been a difficult 18 years not having him around while knowing that his murderers were not yet indicted for this heinous crime."
"I commend NYPD, NYC Detectives, Federal Agents and all the law enforcement who were involved in this case, for not giving up and working to bring justice for Jay. I realize this is a first step in the judicial process, but I hope Jay can finally Rest in Peace. My love to Jay’s wife Terri, his sons, his family, his friends, and all of his fans. #JMJForever”
Jam Master Jay, born Jason William Mizell, began DJing at the age of 13. In 1982, he met Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “D.M.C” McDaniels where they formed the trio Run-DMC.
As one of the most influential groups in hip hop, Mizell played an integral role in establishing the relationship between the MC and the DJ.
Mizell’s contributions stretched far beyond the turntables as he played keyboards, drums, bass, and other percussive instruments on several Run-DMC albums.
The Mizell family released the following statement via Run-DMC's Twitter account.
“First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who has reached out in support of our family today. We appreciate your kind thoughts and words. Upon hearing this news, we have mixed emotions; we truly hope that these indictments are a solid step towards justice being served in the murder of Jay."
"We realize that there are other families out there who have lingering pain who continue to wait for their own closure, and we pray that this case gives them hope,” the statement continued. “In spite of all the tragedies we’ve seen this year alone, we take comfort in our family, our faith and in time’s ability to heal all. We can only hope that this news brings awareness to the fact that Black lives do matter. We ask that everyone please respect our family’s privacy as this case moves forward through the judicial system. Thank you.”
Jam Master Jay’s murder remained a mystery since he was killed in 2002. During the evening on October 30, he was shot in a recording studio in Jamaica, Queens along with 25-year-old Urieco Rincon.
Back in 2007, Ronald Washington was named as a suspect in the murder of Mizell. He was identified as an armed accomplice of a second unidentified gunman at the time. According to court documents, Washington “pointed his gun at those present in the studio, ordered them to get on the ground and provided cover for his associate to shoot and kill Jason Mizell.”
Washington was not convicted at the time.
According to the New York Times, Washington is currently serving a federal prison sentence for robbery while Jordan was arrested this past Sunday.
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