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Jay Bryant Pleads Guilty to Role in 2002 Murder of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay
Jay Bryant, 52, admitted in federal court to helping gunmen access a Queens recording studio to kill Jason Mizell, known as Jam Master Jay, in a drug-related shooting. The plea comes nearly 25 years after the 2002 murder, which remained unsolved for decades. Bryant faces 15 to 20 years in prison for the murder charge, plus additional time for drug offenses.
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Jay Bryant pleaded guilty on Monday in Brooklyn federal court to his involvement in the 2002 murder of Jason Mizell, the DJ known as Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC. Bryant, 52, admitted he helped others gain entry to Mizell's recording studio in Queens, New York, knowing they planned to shoot and kill Mizell.
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The murder occurred on October 30, 2002, amid a dispute over a cocaine deal. Bryant stated he agreed with known drug dealers to possess and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine involving Mizell. He acknowledged knowing a gun would be used in the killing and that his actions were wrong and criminal.
Federal prosecutors linked Bryant's DNA to a hat left at the crime scene.
and Sentencing Magistrate Judge Peggy
Cross-Goldenberg presided over the plea hearing and found a factual basis for Bryant's guilt. She noted Bryant acted knowingly and recommended a sentence of 15 to 20 years, with credit for three years served. Bryant's sentencing will be handled by US District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall at a later date.
“I knew there was going to be a gun used to kill Jason Mizell. I knew what I was doing was wrong and a crime.”
Bryant also faces separate federal drug and gun charges, to which he has pleaded guilty, potentially adding up to 20 more years. He was already in custody on those charges when indicted for murder in 2023.
m. Prosecutors described it as a drug deal gone wrong, with Mizell allegedly involved in cocaine distribution despite Run-DMC's anti-drug public image. Mizell, 37 at the time, was shot while others blocked the door. Two other suspects, Karl Jordan Jr.
