JAY BRYANT PLEADS GUILTY IN 2002 KILLING OF RUN-DMC’S JAM MASTER JAY, AGREES TO 15–20 YEAR SENTENC.(PHOTO).

Jay Bryant pleads guilty in 2002 killing of Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay, agrees to 15–20 year sentenc

  

 Jay Bryant pleaded guilty on Monday in connection with the 2002 killing of Run-DMC DJ Jason Mizell, known as Jam Master Jay, admitting in court that he helped two gunmen gain access to a Queens recording studio where the hip-hop legend was shot and killed.

Bryant, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of firearm-related murder as part of a deal that could limit his sentence to 15 to 20 years in prison, despite the charge carrying a potential life sentence. In court, he acknowledged that he knowingly assisted in the attack, stating he helped the gunmen enter the studio and understood a shooting was planned. He also admitted he knew his actions were illegal and directly contributed to Mizell’s death.

Prosecutors said Bryant played a key role in the fatal shooting by allowing the attackers into the Jamaica, Queens studio through a rear entrance. In his written statement, Bryant admitted he knew a gun would be used and that Mizell would be targeted.

He also acknowledged involvement in a drug transaction involving Mizell, which prosecutors have said was part of the broader motive behind the killing.

Wearing prison clothing, Bryant answered routine questions in court and briefly acknowledged observers in the gallery. His attorney declined to comment after the hearing.

Authorities said the case remained open for years before Bryant was indicted in 2023, after investigators linked him to the scene through DNA evidence found on a hat inside the studio. He was already in custody at the time on unrelated charges.

Two other defendants, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, were previously convicted in the case after a trial that centered on allegations of a drug dispute. Prosecutors said Jordan, who was Mizell’s godson, fired the fatal shot, while Washington helped restrain others during the attack. Washington’s conviction still stands, while Jordan’s was later overturned by a judge and is now under appeal.

Bryant was the only one of the three not previously tried. Defense attorneys in the earlier case had argued he was the actual shooter, pointing to testimony from a relative who claimed Bryant admitted involvement.

Bryant will be sentenced at a later date by the judge who presided over the earlier trial proceedings.