Shockwaves are rippling throughout the hip-hop community after a judge just reversed the conviction of a man accused of killing Jam Master Jay, the star of Run-D.M.C. According to the judge, there wasn’t enough evidence presented in the original case to prove that the suspect, Karl Jordan Jr., had a clear motive to kill the victim. What’s more, there’s very little evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Karl Jordan Jr. was the shooter.

While the judge acquitted one suspect, Ronald Washington’s bid for a similar acquittal was denied. Washington and Jordan were both tried together.

Both suspects were arrested in 2020 for murdering Jam Master Jay, whose real name is Jason Mizell. Mizell worked on the turntables in the Run-D.M.C group. He was shot in 2002. During that trial, prosecutors alleged that a narcotics-related dispute ultimately led to the murder. Prosecutors laid out a narrative that alleged Mizell was involved in a cocaine trafficking scheme involving both Washington and Jordan.

The theory claimed that Washington was cut out of a massive drug deal and sought revenge, which ended in the shooting. Jordan was simply accused of following along with Washington’s revenge plot.

During the trial, a witness claimed he personally saw Jordan fire the fatal shot inside a recording studio. In February of 2024, Jordan was convicted. He was sentenced to serve a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison. He was held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center but may or may not be released following the acquittal. He’s also facing separate federal charges related to a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. A trial date for this case has not yet been set.

To secure the acquittal, Jordan’s lawyers pleaded with the jurors to consider a third suspect: Jay Bryant. Jay Bryant was arrested in 2023 for Mizell’s murder after Prosecutors discovered Bryant’s DNA on a hat at the scene of the shooting.

What’s more, Bryant’s uncle testified that Bryant had admitted to the shooting in a conversation with him. So far, Bryant has pleaded not guilty to his charges.

Your Legal Representation Matters

One thing that’s made clear in Jordan’s case is that your legal representation matters. Jordan’s legal team was persistent in fighting for and advocating on behalf of their client, even after prosecutors secured the conviction. By exploring their options and continuing to fight for their client, they ultimately did secure an acquittal.

If you’ve been accused of committing a crime in Brooklyn or a nearby area, then our legal team here at the Bukh Law Firm, PLLC is prepared to fight for you. We are prepared to help with charges related to felonies, federal crimes, DWIs, criminal deportations, computer and internet fraud charges, and misdemeanors.

We can also help with drug crimes, violent offenses, white collar crimes, sex-related charges, and more. Our legal team can also help with civil legal matters, like family law and partition actions, too. Contact our team now to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation by leaving your contact details on our online form.