Following the responsible verdicts handed down by a jury on Tuesday (Feb. 27) within the trial of the 2002 homicide of hip-hop luminary Run-DMC’s Jam Grasp Jay, the fallen legend’s household issued a press release by way of his son TJ Mizell to Billboard on Wednesday, extending his appreciation to everybody concerned in bringing justice and accountability.
“We prolong our deepest gratitude to the prosecutors, regulation enforcement officers and all concerned in bringing these people to justice. Their unwavering dedication has ensured a measure of accountability for the tragic lack of Jam Grasp Jay,” the household mentioned. “As we pause to replicate, we’re reminded of the profound influence and affect Jay had on numerous lives. His legacy endures by means of his music, his spirit and the cherished recollections we maintain pricey. We stay dedicated to honoring his reminiscence and celebrating the enduring legacy he leaves behind.”
“To all who’ve supported us all through this difficult journey, we provide our heartfelt thanks. Your love, kindness, and steadfast assist have been a supply of power throughout our darkest moments. We ask that you simply proceed to honor Jay’s reminiscence by means of his music and the optimistic influence he made on the world,” the assertion continues. “Whereas the ache of our loss will at all times stay, we discover solace within the data that justice has been served. Our household believes in God’s plan and that religion is what helped present closure for us way back. We thank all that proceed to assist Jay’s legacy by honoring his life’s achievements.”
The 2 males convicted of the homicide, Karl Jordan, Jr., 40, and Ronald Washington, 59, every face a minimal of 20 years in jail. They’ll have the choice of difficult the decision with the choose in addition to a federal appeals courtroom.
Jay, a famend member of the legendary rap group Run-DMC, was killed in October 2022 in Queens, NY. His demise remained one among hip-hop’s most well-known chilly circumstances till 2020, when detectives generated adequate leads that prompted prosecutors to launch a case towards Jordan and Washington.
The three-week trial included greater than 30 witnesses who testified towards Jordan and Washington, accusing them of murdering the rap pioneer as payback after the DJ lower them out of a cocaine deal.
Following the responsible verdict, U.S. Legal professional Breon Peace issued a press release: “Greater than 20 years after they killed Jason Mizell in his recording studio, Jordan and Washington have lastly been held accountable for his or her cold-blooded crime pushed by greed and revenge.”
Washington’s legal professional, Susan G. Kellman, had a unique stance on the matter, as she believed her consumer wasn’t given the justice he deserved throughout his trial.
“They made up a motive they usually rejected onerous info,” Kellman mentioned to Billboard in a press release. “That they only didn’t give a d–n speaks volumes about the place our nation is — reality is now not a consideration — we actually stay in a world of ‘various info.’ And that’s not justice.”
