Hip-Hop Artist Jam Masters Jay's Murder Case Goes Cold After 15 Years

Nearly 15 years after his murder, Jam Master Jay’s murder has been declared as a cold case, as reported by the Associated Press. The reports state that the New York police has acknowledged that their investigation into the killing on Oct. 30, 2002, has gone cold.

Born Jason Mizell in Brooklyn, New York City, Jay was a legendary hip-hop artist known as DJ Jam Master Jay. He was a part of a groundbreaking rap group Run-D.M.C. Jay was already an accomplished DJ when he joined high school friends, Joseph ‘Run’ Simmons and Darryl ‘D.M.C.’ McDaniels, in their group, Run-D.M.C. in 1982.

His entry in the group turned out to be quite vital. For pop music fans, Jay’s work became the first vinyl scratches they had heard. He was not only credited for Run-D.M.C.’s ground-breaking sound but is also given credit for establishing a signature style for the group with black hats, Adidas sneakers, and gold chains.

The DJ was shot and killed on Oct. 30, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. EDT by an unknown man in a Merrick Boulevard recording studio in Jamaica, Queens. Apart from Jay, the 25-year-old Urieco Rincon was also present at the studio and was shot in the ankle. However, he survived the attack. Jay’s loss was a period of grief in the hip-hop community, many celebrities and fans paid tribute to the artist for his immense contribution to the field of music.

In reference to the case, Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, a convicted drug dealer was investigated for targeting Jay because the DJ defied an industry blacklist of rapper 50 Cent in relation to a song he wrote, “Ghetto Qu’ran” about McGriff’s drug history.

The case got some insights again in April 2007 when Ronald “Tenad” Washington was named as an accomplice to murder by the federal prosecutors. According to the court papers, Washington allegedly “pointed his gun at those present in the studio, ordered them to get on the ground and provided cover for his associate to shoot and kill Jason Mizell”. However, Washington was never convicted of the crime and no new suspects or arrests have been made since.

Jay’s family members have also become less optimistic about the case ever being resolved. Speaking to the Associated Press, Master Jay’s older sister, Bonita Jones said, “We know it’s an anniversary but we don’t like to talk about it much anymore.”

Alix Dontfraid, founder of the current Signature Soundz Studios said that it still feels a “little spooky” in the studio but he tries and stays positive about it. “Jam Master Jay could have built this studio anywhere, but he built it here, where it was needed. That’s an energy I’m trying to perpetuate,” he said.

To honor him on his 15th death anniversary Monday, fans took to their respective social media accounts and posted pictures, fan art, and painted murals in his signature Adidas gear, leather jacket, black bucket hat, and gold chain.

Jay is buried at Ferncliff Cemetery and Mausoleum in Hartsdale, New York.