The saga of hip-hop icon Jam Master Jay’s murder continues to unfold, with one of those convicted, Ronald “Tinard” Washington, seeking to have his conviction quashed or a new trial.
The defense team filed a motion saying the government failed to provide enough evidence to tie Washington to a drug conspiracy at the time of the murders, questioning the integrity of the verdict that found him guilty along with Carl Jordan Jr.
According to the motion, there is no substantive evidence that Washington was involved in a drug conspiracy or that he was involved in the crimes surrounding the killing of the legendary Run-DMC member, whose real name was Jason Mizell.
The defense detailed a lack of evidence regarding any ongoing drug conspiracy or Washington’s involvement during the murder of Jam Master Jay.
Additionally, the motion highlights that witnesses testified against the idea that Jam Master Jay was involved in the drug trade, adding to the complexity of the government’s narrative.
The legal challenge comes after Washington and Jordan were convicted of murder over drug trafficking and gun-related murders.
Prosecutors described how jam master Jay was murdered over a dispute over a lucrative cocaine distribution deal and claimed Washington and Jordan took the deadly action after being kicked out of the deal.
The trial revealed gruesome details of the murder, including testimony that Jordan said he would kill JMJ again if given the chance.
While the charges are serious, the defense is now raising questions about the credibility of the drug conspiracy evidence and whether the jury properly applied legal standards.
As the legal battle unfolds, there’s also an update on the third man charged in Mizell’s murder, Jay Bryant.
Prosecutors and Bryant’s attorney Cesar DeCastro are reportedly discussing a plea deal that could result in a different legal outcome for Bryant.
Prosecutors said Bryant “was involved, but he was not the murderer.”
In 2023, he was charged with accessory to murder for allegedly helping Jordan and Washington enter the studio through a fire escape.
