Yesterday, two men were indicted in the 2002 murder of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay — a case that has remained unsolved for nearly two decades. Now, the artist's family and former groupmate Darryl "DMC" McDaniels have shared statements following the arrests.
"Although this latest news opens up a lot of painful memories for all of us who knew and loved Jam Master Jay, I'm relieved to hear that two suspects have been arrested and charged with his murder," McDaniels wrote.
Born Jason Mizell, the Run-DMC DJ was fatally shot inside a recording studio in Queens, NY, in 2002. He was 37.
"It's been a difficult 18 years not having him around while knowing that his murderers were not yet indicted for this heinous crime," McDaniels continued. "I commend NYPD, NYC Detectives, Federal Agents and all the law enforcement who were involved in this case, for not giving up and working to bring justice for Jay. I realize this is a first step in the judicial process, but I hope Jay can finally Rest in Peace. My love to Jay's wife Terri, his sons, his family, his friends, and all of his fans. #JMJForever"
In a statement shared through Run-DMC's official Twitter account, the Mizell family, wrote:
First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who has reached out in support of our family today. We appreciate your kind thoughts and words. Upon hearing this news, we have mixed emotions; we truly hope that these indictments are a solid step towards justice being served in the murder of Jay.
We realize that there are other families out there who have lingering pain who continue to wait for their own closure, and we pray that this case gives them hope In spite of all the tragedies we've seen this year alone, we take comfort in our family, our faith and in time's ability to heal all. We can only hope that this news brings awareness to the fact that Black lives do matter. We ask that everyone please respect our family's privacy as this case moves forward through the judicial system. Thank you.
Yesterday (August 17), it was reported that Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. were arrested on charges of murder while engaged in drug trafficking. Washington, 56, is currently serving a prison sentence for robbery. Jordan, 36, was taken into custody yesterday and was also charged with seven counts of cocaine distribution between April and June 2017, in addition to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Per Rolling Stone, the indictment reads, "On or about October 30th, 2002 … the defendants … engaged in … a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, did knowingly and intentionally kill and counsel, command, induce, and cause the intentional killing of an individual, to wit: Jason Mizell, also known as 'Jam Master Jay,' and such killing did result."
"Although this latest news opens up a lot of painful memories for all of us who knew and loved Jam Master Jay, I'm relieved to hear that two suspects have been arrested and charged with his murder," McDaniels wrote.
Born Jason Mizell, the Run-DMC DJ was fatally shot inside a recording studio in Queens, NY, in 2002. He was 37.
"It's been a difficult 18 years not having him around while knowing that his murderers were not yet indicted for this heinous crime," McDaniels continued. "I commend NYPD, NYC Detectives, Federal Agents and all the law enforcement who were involved in this case, for not giving up and working to bring justice for Jay. I realize this is a first step in the judicial process, but I hope Jay can finally Rest in Peace. My love to Jay's wife Terri, his sons, his family, his friends, and all of his fans. #JMJForever"
In a statement shared through Run-DMC's official Twitter account, the Mizell family, wrote:
First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who has reached out in support of our family today. We appreciate your kind thoughts and words. Upon hearing this news, we have mixed emotions; we truly hope that these indictments are a solid step towards justice being served in the murder of Jay.
We realize that there are other families out there who have lingering pain who continue to wait for their own closure, and we pray that this case gives them hope In spite of all the tragedies we've seen this year alone, we take comfort in our family, our faith and in time's ability to heal all. We can only hope that this news brings awareness to the fact that Black lives do matter. We ask that everyone please respect our family's privacy as this case moves forward through the judicial system. Thank you.
Yesterday (August 17), it was reported that Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. were arrested on charges of murder while engaged in drug trafficking. Washington, 56, is currently serving a prison sentence for robbery. Jordan, 36, was taken into custody yesterday and was also charged with seven counts of cocaine distribution between April and June 2017, in addition to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Per Rolling Stone, the indictment reads, "On or about October 30th, 2002 … the defendants … engaged in … a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, did knowingly and intentionally kill and counsel, command, induce, and cause the intentional killing of an individual, to wit: Jason Mizell, also known as 'Jam Master Jay,' and such killing did result."