A federal judge has acquitted Karl Jordan Jr., one of two men convicted in the 2002 murder of Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay. The decision came after the judge ruled that prosecutors failed to prove a drug-related motive. Ronald Washington's conviction remains intact.
On December 19, 2025, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall overturned the conviction of Karl Jordan Jr. in the murder of Jason Mizell, known as Jam Master Jay, the DJ for the pioneering hip-hop group Run-DMC. Jordan, Mizell's godson, had been found guilty in February 2024 alongside Ronald Washington, Mizell's childhood friend, following a trial in a Brooklyn federal courthouse. The charges stemmed from a 2020 indictment accusing the men of murder while engaged in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy and firearm-related murder.
Prosecutors alleged that Mizell, whose career had waned after Run-DMC's breakup, supplemented his income by selling cocaine. They claimed Mizell cut Washington out of a drug deal, prompting Washington to enlist Jordan and a third man, Jay Bryant—who was indicted in 2023 and faces trial in January 2026—in a revenge plot. On October 30, 2002, around 7:30 p.m., Washington and Jordan allegedly entered Mizell's Queens recording studio. Washington stood guard as Jordan approached Mizell for a hug and shot him twice in the head, according to the prosecution's narrative.
Eyewitnesses included Uriel “Tony” Rincon, who was shot in the leg and testified to seeing Jordan fire the fatal shot, and Lydia High, an employee at Mizell's JMJ Records. Another witness, Randy Allen, described the chaotic scene: “I saw my sister [High] lying on the left side of the door, crying and screaming... I looked down at Jay, and he’s lying there. He was shot. There was blood coming from his head.… [Lydia] was just crying hysterically.”
In her 29-page ruling, Judge Hall stated that while Rincon's testimony was compelling, prosecutors failed to connect the shooting to the alleged drug motive. “Jordan has met the heavy burden to be granted a judgment of acquittal,” she wrote. She denied Washington's requests for acquittal and a new trial, finding the government proved its case against him.
Jordan, held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center and facing at least 20 years, had not been sentenced. He also faces a separate charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, with no trial date set. Jordan's lawyer, John Diaz, said, “On behalf of Mr. Jordan and his family, today’s decision brings a measure of solace as they approach the holiday season.” A U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson noted, “The decision is being reviewed.” Attorneys for Washington and representatives for Run, DMC, and Mizell’s sons did not immediately comment.
After the 2024 conviction, Run and DMC expressed hope for closure, stating, “Jay will always hold a special place in the hearts of all his friends... He was the heart and soul of RUN DMC, and we will forever miss him.” Mizell’s son Jesse reflected last year on his father’s ties to his environment: “No matter how much success you see, you’re still a product of your environment... Definitely give back to your community, but you got to move on as well.”
