A New York jury’s deliberations had to start over in the Jam Master Jay murder trial. The jury’s efforts to reach a verdict were disrupted when a juror requested to be replaced on Monday (February 26).
According to multiple reports, Juror No. 12 believed he was too connected to the Hollis, Queens neighborhood where Jam Master Jay was murdered. The juror said he frequented a barbershop referenced in testimony during the trial.
The juror reportedly mentioned he “passed through Hollis many times” in a jury questionnaire, but he was still selected to serve on the jury. Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall excused the juror on Monday.
One of the four alternate jurors replaced Juror No. 12. Judge Hall told the jury to restart their deliberations, which began on February 22.
“As a matter of law, frankly, because we have replaced a juror, your deliberations must begin anew,” the judge said.
The jury will decide the fate of Jam Master Jay’s alleged killers Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington. Prosecutors claimed the two men killed the DJ for cutting them out of a drug deal in 2002.
Jordan and Washington were charged with Jam Master Jay’s murder in 2020. Their trial began in January.
An eyewitness said Jordan shot Jam Master Jay in the head at the Run-DMC member’s recording studio. Washington allegedly stood watch and forced another eyewitness to get on the floor at gunpoint during the shooting.
Jordan and Washington pleaded not guilty to murder charges. The defense suggested a third man named Jay Bryant was the actual killer.
Bryant was indicted for his alleged role in Jam Master Jay’s murder in 2023. Bryant will be tried separately in 2026.
Jordan and Washington face at least 20 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty.