Jam Master Jay is getting justice almost 22 years after his murder.
Today, in federal court, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were found guilty on all counts of killing the Run DMC DJ.
Prosecutors argued they killed Jay because he was planning on cutting them out of his side business as a cocaine dealer.
“The violent loss of Mr. Mizell traumatized his family and devastated legions of Run-DMC fans around the world,” U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace, whose office prosecuted this case, said in a statement following the verdict. “Today’s verdict cannot bring Mr. Mizell back but my sincere hope is that it brings some solace and closure to his family, his friends and all those who loved and appreciated him.”
Multiple people witnessed the murder, which went down in a New York recording studio. Â However, it took many years for the Feds to get any of the witnesses to come forward.
One finally did, allowing the state to proceed with the case.
“It’s no mystery why it took years to indict and arrest the defendants. The witnesses in the recording studio knew the killers, and they were terrified that they would be retaliated against if they cooperated with law enforcement and identified the ruthless executioners of Mr. Mizell,” Peace said, “but their strength and resolve in testifying at this trial were a triumph of right over wrong and courage over fear. We cannot and should not accept the victimization and killing of members of our communities.”
Jordan and Washington face at least 20 years and could get up to life.