Trial Begins for Suspects in Jam Master Jay's Murder

Prosecutors Allege 'Greed and Revenge' Motivated Killing Over Drug Deal

Two men, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, are on trial for the 2002 murder of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay, real name Jason Mizell.
The prosecution alleges the murder was motivated by 'greed and revenge' after Mizell cut the defendants out of a cocaine deal.
Prosecutor Miranda Gonzalez claims Mizell was serving as a 'middleman' for cocaine shipments after Run-DMC's fame began to wane, and that the defendants plotted to kill Mizell after he excluded them from a drug deal.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they face a minimum of 20 years in prison.
A third man, Jay Bryant, was also charged in connection with the murder and will be tried separately.