Jury selection started in the Jam Master Jay murder trial in New York on Monday (January 22). The process began more than three years after his alleged killers Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were indicted for the DJ’s 2002 murder.
Jordan and Washington were charged with murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder in 2020. Authorities arrested Jordan when he allegedly tried to sell drugs to an undercover officer in 2020. Washington was already in federal custody for robbery when he was indicted for Jam Master Jay’s murder.
Both men pleaded not guilty. A third man, Jay Bryant, was charged for his alleged role in the Run-DMC member’s death in 2023. Prosecutors claimed Bryant was with Jordan and Washington on the night of the murder.
“On Wednesday, October 30, 2002, [Jam Master Jay] was present at his recording studio located on Merrick Boulevard in Queens, New York,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said. “At approximately 7:30 p.m., Washington, Jordan and Bryant entered the building. Washington pointed his firearm at one of the individuals located inside the studio and demanded that the person lay on the floor. Jordan approached [Jam Master Jay], pointed his firearm at him and fired two shots at close range. One of those shots hit [Jam Master Jay] in the head, killing him. The second shot struck another individual in the leg. All three defendants fled the crime scene.”
According to prosecutors, Bryant admitted to his involvement in the murder. His DNA was found on an article of clothing at the scene of the crime. Bryant will be tried separately for his role in the late DJ’s murder.
Opening statements in Jordan and Washington’s trial are scheduled to begin on January 29. Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers will not face the death penalty if convicted of murder.