Man Charged in 2002 Killing of Jam Master Jay to Plead Guilty

Photo Credit: Jam Master Jay in 1985 by Jeff Pinilla / CC by 3.0

One of the three men charged in the killing of Run-D.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay in 2002 plans to plead guilty, court records reveal.

Jay Bryant, who was indicted in 2023 in connection to the 2002 killing of Run-D.M.C.’s Jam Master Jay, pleaded not guilty to murder, but his lawyer told the court that they were negotiating a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. Bryan was one of three men charged in the killing, and his admission would be the first anyone has made in the matter.

According to a court docket entry reviewed by Digital Music News, Bryant intends to change his plea—though it’s currently unknown what exactly he might admit or what punishment might be forthcoming. Prosecutors declined to comment, and Bryant’s attorney did not respond to media requests for comment.

Notably, the notice of his intention to change his plea is not an irreversible commitment. Should Bryant go through with the plea, it could bring both an aspect of closure and further complexity to an already complicated case.

Co-defendants Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were convicted by a jury in 2024, though Jordan was later cleared by a judge. Bryant was indicted almost three years later than the other two, when authorities said his DNA was found on a hat in the music studio where Jam Master Jay was shot. Neither Washington’s nor Jordan’s DNA was found at the scene, according to court documents.

Prosecutors have theorized that Jordan and Washington came after Jay over a failed drug deal. Jordan allegedly shot Jay while Washington blocked the studio door to prevent his escape. Both men have denied the allegations. Bryant’s role allegedly consisted of entering the building and opening a fire door to facilitate Jordan and Washington’s entry so they did not have to buzz up to the studio, and could therefore ambush the DJ.

The 52-year-old Bryant was in jail on federal drug and gun charges when he was indicted in the death of Jam Master Jay. He is currently awaiting sentencing in the drug and firearm case, to which he has pleaded guilty.