*Two men were arrested Monday in connection with the murder of Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay (born Jason Mizell). Now his former bandmate Darryl “DMC” McDaniels has released a statement about the killing.
“Although this latest news opens up a lot of painful memories for all of us who knew and loved Jam Master Jay, I’m relieved to hear that 2 suspects have been arrested and charged with his murder. It’s been a difficult 18 years not having him around while knowing that his murderers were not yet indicted for this heinous crime. I commend NYPD, NYC Detectives, Federal Agents and all the law enforcement who were involved in this case, for not giving up and working to bring justice for Jay,” DMC said in a statement obtained by SPIN. “I realize this is a first step in the judicial process, but I hope Jay can finally Rest in Peace. My love to Jay’s wife Terri, his sons, his family, his friends, and all of his fans. #JMJForever”
The Mizell family also released their own statement via Twitter.
“First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who has reached out in support of our family today. We appreciate your kind thoughts and words. Upon hearing this news, we have mixed emotions; we truly hope that these indictments are a solid step towards justice being served in the murder of Jay,” the Mizell family said.
READ MORE: 2 Men Arrested in 2002 Killing of Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay: Report
“We realize that there are other families out there who have lingering pain who continue to wait for their own closure, and we pray that this case gives them hope,” the family’s statement continued. “In spite of all the tragedies we’ve seen this year alone, we take comfort in our family, our faith and in time’s ability to heal all. We can only hope that this news brings awareness to the fact that Black lives do matter. We ask that everyone please respect our family’s privacy as this case moves forward through the judicial system. Thank you.”
An earlier report on EURweb.com noted that Jay, who was 37 at the time of his killing in 2002, was shot once in the head in his Queens recording studio by a masked assailant, police said at the time. He left behind a wife and three children.
The men arrested this week for the slaying, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan, Jr., have been indicted on charges of murder while engaged in drug trafficking, according to two law enforcement officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, per the NY Times.
Washington is currently in federal prison, serving time for a robbery. Jordan was arrested on Sunday (Aug. 16).
According to the indictment, two of the 10 felony counts against them are for the murder of the hip-hop star, the other eight are related to the distribution of cocaine, spin.com reports.
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