It’s been over two decades since Jam Master Jay of Run DMC fame had his life taken away from him. In the last couple of days, the men thought to be responsible for his tragic passing were finally convicted.
Last Tuesday, as reported in AP News, one of the most mysterious cases in hip-hop history came to a close. An anonymous jury in Brooklyn found Jam Master Jay’s close associates, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, guilty of taking the legendary DJ’s life in 2002.
In all that time, investigations into the incident proved complicated and confusing. The authorities were led in several directions thanks to various tips, rumors, and theories over the years.
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Top prosecutor Breon Peace told reporters about the difficulties authorities had experienced trying to solve the case. He said, “It’s no mystery why it took years to indict and arrest the defendants.”
His reason was that vital witnesses to the crime “were terrified that they would be retaliated against if they cooperated with law enforcement.” He added, “Their strength and resolve in testifying at this trial were a triumph of right over wrong and courage over fear.”
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Although much time has passed since the attack, the story is no less tragic. This was especially true because Jam Master Jay lost his life at the hands of two people he considered to be close friends.
One of them, Karl Jordan Jr, was actually his godson. Ronald Wahington was an old friend living at the DJ’s sister’s home at the time.
Despite Their Protests, the Defendants Were Found Guilty
18 years after the hit, both men were finally arrested in 2020 and went on to plead not guilty to the charge. After the jury read the verdict, Ronald yelled at the jurors that they had just sentenced “two innocent people.” The supporters of his fellow defendant also started shouting at the jury after the decision was read out.
Both men’s lawyers also restated their belief in their innocence. One of Ronald’s lawyers stated, “My client did not do this. And the jury heard testimony about the person who did.”
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In 2003, Ronald had given an interview to Playboy, in which he claimed to have heard the shots from outside the studio. He also said that he saw Karl Jr, whom he called Little D, running out of the building.
Despite protests from the defendants and their legal teams, the family of Jam Master Jay was relieved to hear the verdict given. His cousin, Carlis Thompson, said he felt like a “2000-pound weight” had been lifted after the decision. However, AP also reported that the family was saddened that the DJ’s mother had not lived to see the conviction.
Jam Master Jay was thought to have been attacked after getting involved in trafficking illegal substances to pay off debts. Assistant US Attorney Artie McConnell explained that he got involved “to take care of the people who depended on him.”
Many of those same people might now finally find peace, decades after losing one of hip-hop’s great pioneers.
