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Judge Vacates Karl Jordan Jr.’s Jam Master Jay Murder Conviction Over Unproven Motive

The court ruled prosecutors failed to link the 2002 killing to the narcotics‑retaliation theory central to the federal charges.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall overturned the February 2024 verdict on Friday, nullifying the murder and related firearm counts against Jordan.
  • The ruling said prosecutors offered no evidence that Jordan sought retaliation over an alleged collapsed Baltimore cocaine deal.
  • A separate bid by co-defendant Ronald Washington was rejected, and his conviction remains in place.
  • Trial testimony included an eyewitness identification of Jordan as the shooter and an alleged confession, which the judge said did not establish the required motive.
  • Run-DMC’s Darryl “DMC” McDaniels said he would consult Mizell’s family after learning of the ruling.