In a recent development in the case of the 2002 killing of Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay, prosecutors and defense lawyers are discussing the possibility of a plea deal for the third and final defendant, Jay Bryant. This comes shortly after two co-defendants were convicted in the case less than six weeks ago. The talks have just started, and it remains uncertain what federal prosecutors may offer Bryant, or what he may be willing to accept. Bryant, who has pleaded not guilty to murder, is scheduled for trial in late January next year, with both sides required to file a written status update by August 5.
The killing of Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, occurred in his recording studio in Queens, New York, in 2002, in front of witnesses who worked for him. Despite numerous rewards and tips over the years, it took decades for investigators to make arrests in the case. Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were convicted earlier this year and were said to have been close to Mizell, with Jordan being his godson and Washington an old friend. Prosecutors alleged that the motive behind the murder was a drug deal gone wrong, which contradicted Mizell’s anti-drug advocacy image as a member of the rap group Run-DMC.
On the other hand, Bryant had little to no known connection to the rap star. While he had a common acquaintance with Jordan and Washington, it was unclear if he had any interaction with Mizell. Bryant’s involvement in the case came to light after his DNA was found on a hat at the crime scene, which also had material from others but not from the other defendants. Testimony from Bryant’s uncle claimed that he confessed to shooting Mizell after the DJ reached for a gun. However, other testimonies did not support this scenario, and prosecutors have stated that while Bryant was involved, he was not the actual killer.
Prosecutors have not alleged that Bryant was present in the studio during the shooting. Instead, they assert that he facilitated the entry of Washington and Jordan by slipping into the building and opening its back fire door for them. The case has been complex and challenging, with multiple twists and turns over the years. The plea deal discussions between prosecutors and Bryant’s defense team signal a possible new direction in the long-standing investigation. The outcome of these talks could potentially bring closure to the case for all parties involved and shed new light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Jam Master Jay. The written status update due in August will likely provide more clarity on the developments in the case and the potential next steps moving forward.
