The two men accused of killing Run-DMC co-founding member Jam Master Jay will not face the death penalty if convicted.
ABC News has confirmed that federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for Karl Jordan and Ronald Washington, who have been charged with drug and weapons-related crimes that resulted in the death of Jason Mizell, better known as Jam Master Jay.
Prosecutors notified the judge of their decision in a letter on Monday. “Please be advised that United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has authorized and directed the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York not to seek the death penalty against defendants Karl Jordan, Jr. and Ronald Washington,” the letter reads.
Jam Master Jay was shot and killed at his recording studio in Queens on October 30, 2002. Prosecutors believe Washington and Jordan murdered Mizell after they were allegedly cut out of a drug deal. The two were charged with murder last year.
In March, Jordan, who was accused of firing the shot that killed Jay, was additionally charged with a count of conspiracy to distribute illicit drugs and use of firearms in connection with a drug-trafficking crime.
The new charges add the possibility of five extra years in prison.
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