Jam Master Jay’s Convicted Killer Reportedly Filing Appeal
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One of the two men convicted of killing Jam Master Jay is attempting to change the court’s decision. According to HotNewHipHop, Ronald Washington’s legal team is seeking a retrial or to have the guilty verdict overturned, claiming the government has failed to provide sufficient evidence.
Washington’s lawyer Susan Kellman claims that her client and the deceased were on the same side of the alleged botched drug transaction that resulted in the murder.
“Think about it,” she explained per HNHH. “Who gets killed when a drug deal fails? Is it the guy who advocates to get you into a drug deal? No.”
Washington, Jay’s childhood friend, and Karl Jordan Jr., Jay’s godson, were found guilty of murder in February 2024, more than two decades after the Hip-Hop veteran was gunned down in a New York City recording studio. A witness testified that Washington and Jordan entered the room with guns, naming Jordan as the triggerman.
“Y’all just killed some innocent people. Get me outta here,” Washington exclaimed at the decision.
Defense attorneys claimed the real killer was Jay Bryant, who was charged in May 2023 with murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder. Only Bryant’s DNA was recovered from a hat found next to Jam Master Jay’s body, and he is the only person seen on security cameras.
“Jay Bryant is literally reasonable doubt in this case,” said Michael Hueston, Jordan’s attorney at the time of the verdict.
According to the Associated Press, prosecutors and defense attorneys began exploring plea options for Bryant earlier this month. Both sides are set to file a written status update on Aug. 5. Bryant’s trial is set for January 2025. He has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges.
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