New York man admits role in Jam Master Jay killing

Jay Bryant, 52, entered a guilty plea at a federal court in Brooklyn on Monday, for his role as an accomplice in the 2002 murder of Jason Mizell.

Mizell, the legendary Run-DMC DJ known professionally as Jam Master Jay, was 37 years old when he was shot in the head at his Queens recording studio on 30 October 2002.

During the hearing, Bryant admitted his prior knowledge of the violent plot, telling the court, "I knew a gun was going to be used to shoot Jason Mizell."

He further acknowledged the gravity of his actions, stating, "I knew that what I was doing was wrong and a crime."

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bryant assisted the primary gunmen, Karl Jordan, Jr. and Ronald Washington, by opening a locked fire escape to allow them undetected entry.

Prosecutors alleged the murder stemmed from a dispute over a narcotics deal involving 10 kilos of cocaine.

United States Attorney Joseph Nocella remarked that after two decades, this admission marks a vital step in the "pursuit of justice for the victim and the victim’s family."

Bryant now faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 20 years.

This development follows the February 2024 convictions of Jordan and Washington. While a judge recently overturned Jordan’s conviction due to a dispute over the drug-related nature of the motive, federal prosecutors have confirmed they intend to appeal that specific decision.