Judge Overturns Conviction in Murder of Jam Master Jay

A federal judge has overturned the conviction of one of two men found guilty in the murder of Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay, reports Billboard. Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall granted the motion for acquittal of Karl Jordan Jr., who was found guilty in 2024 of killing Mizell, his godfather and the D.J. for legendary rap group Run D.M.C., over a drug-related conspiracy. Ronald Washington, who was also found guilty in the killing, was denied a motion for acquittal.

In her 29-page ruling, Judge Hall said the government lacked proof that the crime had been drug-related. “Jordan has met the heavy burden to be granted a judgment of acquittal,” she wrote.

Mizell was in his studio in Queens, on Oct. 30, 2002, when a gunman shot him in the head. Despite witnesses present, the case sat cold for nearly two decades; murder charges were eventually filed against Jordan Jr. and Washington in 2020. In 2023, federal prosecutors charged a third man, Jay Bryant, with taking part in the killing. Bryant has pleaded not guilty and will stand trial in January 2026.

In a statement to Pitchfork, Jordan’s attorney’s wrote, “On behalf of Mr. Jordan and his family, today’s decision brings a measure of solace as they approach the holiday season.” A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York said the decision is currently being reviewed. Attorneys for Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.