More than two decades after hip-hop icon Jam Master Jay was killed inside his Queens recording studio, another man has admitted his role in the crime.
Jay Bryant, 52, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Brooklyn for acting as an accomplice in the 2002 murder of Jason “Jay” Mizell, the legendary Run-DMC DJ known worldwide as Jam Master Jay. Prosecutors said Bryant helped others gain access to the building before the fatal shooting took place.
During the hearing, Bryant acknowledged he knew violence was coming. “I knew a gun was going to be used to shoot Jason Mizell,” Bryant said. “I knew that what I was doing was wrong and a crime.”
Mizell was shot on October 30, 2002, while inside his studio and playing video games. He was 37 years old. His killing shocked the music industry and remained unsolved for years before federal authorities announced charges.
Bryant now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and could receive up to 20 years. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Federal officials said the guilty plea marks another step in a case that took years to build. “More than two decades after the cold-blooded, execution-style killing of Mr. Mizell, an exhaustive investigation revealed Bryant’s role and today he finally admitted his guilt,” United States Attorney Joseph Nocella said. “The prosecutors in our Office and our law enforcement partners never give up, no matter how long it takes, in the pursuit of justice for the victim and the victim’s family.”
Bryant’s plea follows earlier convictions tied to the case. Two other men, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, were previously found guilty in connection with Mizell’s murder, though one conviction was later overturned pending appeal.
