Judge overturns murder conviction in the killing of rap legend Jam Master Jay

A federal judge on Friday overturned the conviction of a man jailed for the murder of rap legend Jason William Mizell, Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC

A federal judge on Friday overturned the conviction of a man jailed for the murder of rap legend Jason William Mizell, Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC.

Karl “Little D” Jordan Jr., along with Ronald Washington, was convicted in February 2024 of killing Mizell in a New York City recording studio in 2002. Prosecutors at the time said Mizell was killed in an act of revenge for cutting the men out of a drug deal.

Jordan — who is Mizell's godson — Washington and Jay Bryant had all been charged with murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder. Bryant has pleaded not guilty and is set to go to trial next year.

But on Friday, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall granted Jordan’s motion of acquittal and conditionally denied his motion for a new trial.

She argued the government had failed to prove that Jordan was motivated by the drug deal.