Jay Bryant Pleads Guilty as Accomplice to the Murder of Run-DMC’s Jason Mizell, Also Known as “Jam Master Jay” (DOJ)

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jay Bryant, also known as "Bradshaw Dewitt," "Jason Robinson," "Morgan Bryant," "Deshawn Sadler," "Jay Sadler" and "Big Jay" pleaded guilty to the October 30, 2002, firearm-related murder of Jason Mizell, also known as "Jam Master Jay," a member of the famed hip hop group Run-DMC. The plea proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg. When sentenced, Bryant faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison and up to 20 years in prison. This sentence also applies to separate narcotics trafficking and firearms charges to which Bryant already pleaded guilty and that were accepted by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan on December 2, 2023.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF New York), and Jessica S. Tish, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the guilty plea.

"More than two decades after the cold-blooded, execution-style killing of Mr. Mizell, an exhaustive investigation revealed Bryant's role and today he finally admitted his guilt," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "The prosecutors in our Office and our law enforcement partners never give up, no matter how long it takes, in the pursuit of justice for the victim and the victim's family."

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the NYPD Intelligence Division, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Queens County District Attorney's Office, Columbia Borough Police Department in Pennsylvania, and the Dominican Republic National Police for their work on the case.

"Justice in the murder of Jam Master Jay has been pursued with determination and resolve for more than two decades. The defendant's role in facilitating access for the killers was integral to this crime," stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo. "Today's guilty plea reflects the dedication of law enforcement and prosecutors who never stopped working to bring accountability for the victim and his family. We are grateful for the partnership of ATF NY's Joint Firearms Task Force-Long Island, ATF Philadelphia Allentown Office, NYPD, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York."

As alleged in court filings, between the 1990s and 2002, separate from his music career, Mizell was involved in arranging for the sale of kilogram-quantities of cocaine in the Eastern District of New York and elsewhere. In August 2002, Mizell acquired approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine on consignment from a supplier. The cocaine was intended to be distributed in Maryland by co-defendants Karl Jordan, Jr., Ronald Washington, and other co-conspirators. A dispute between Washington and one of the co-conspirators in Baltimore resulted in Mizell cutting Washington and Jordan out of the Maryland drug deal worth almost $200,000. Following this betrayal, Washington and Jordan continued in the larger narcotics conspiracy until they ultimately cut out Jason Mizell by murdering him on October 30, 2002.

On October 30, 2002, Mizell was present at his recording studio, "24/7," located on Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens. At approximately 7:30 p.m., Bryant entered the building containing the recording studio and opened a locked fire escape exit door to allow Jordan and Washington to enter the building without being seen by Mizell. Jordan and Washington entered the recording studio, armed with firearms. Washington pointed his firearm at an individual and demanded she lay on the floor, and Jordan approached Mizell and fired two shots at close range, striking Mizell once in the head and killing him. The second shot struck another individual in the leg.

Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Misorek, Miranda Gonzalez, and Andrew D. Wang are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder.

The Defendant:

JAY BRYANT (also known as "Bradshaw Dewitt," "Jason Robinson," "Morgan Bryant," "Deshawn Sadler," "Jay Sadler" and "Big Jay")
Age: 52
Far Rockaway, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-305 (S-2) (LDH)