Karl Jordan Jr. Wikipedia, Age, Wife, Family, Parents & BIO: Godson Convicted Of Killing Run-D.M.C.’s Jam
Karl Jordan Jr. Wikipedia:- Jam Master Jay was one of the pioneers of hip-hop music and culture. He was the DJ of the legendary group Run-D.M.C., which broke barriers and brought rap to the mainstream in the 1980s. He was also a mentor, a friend, and a father figure to many aspiring artists and DJs. He was respected and loved by his fans, his peers, and his community.
But on October 30, 2002, he was brutally murdered in his recording studio in Queens, New York. He was shot in the head at close range by two masked gunmen, who fled the scene and left no clues behind. For almost 18 years, his death remained a mystery, a cold case that haunted the hip-hop world and the public.
Until August 2020, when the authorities finally announced that they had indicted two suspects for the killing: Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. The latter was not just a random criminal, but the godson of Jam Master Jay himself. How did this happen? What was the motive behind this betrayal? And what does this mean for the legacy of Jam Master Jay and Run-D.M.C.?
In this article, we will explore the life and death of Jam Master Jay, the background and history of his alleged killers, and the trial that is currently underway in New York City. We will also examine the impact of this case on the hip-hop community and the fans of Jam Master Jay.
The Life and Death of Jam Master Jay
Jam Master Jay was born as Jason William Mizell on January 21, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Hollis, Queens, where he developed a passion for music and DJing. He learned to play various instruments, such as the trumpet, the bass, the guitar, and the drums. He also learned to scratch and mix records on the turntables, influenced by the pioneers of hip hop, such as Grandmaster Flash and DJ Kool Herc.
He met Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels in high school, and they formed a rap group called Run-D.M.C. in 1983. Jam Master Jay became their DJ and producer, providing the beats and the cuts for their rhymes. They soon became one of the most influential and successful hip-hop groups of all time, selling millions of records, winning awards, and collaborating with artists from different genres, such as Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, and Public Enemy.
They were also known for their distinctive style, wearing black leather jackets, hats, glasses, and Adidas sneakers. They popularized the image and the sound of hip-hop, and inspired countless artists and fans around the world.
Jam Master Jay was not only a member of Run-D.M.C., but also a solo artist and a businessman. He founded his own label, JMJ Records, where he signed and mentored young talents, such as Onyx, 50 Cent, and Jayo Felony. He also opened his own recording studio, 24/7, where he worked on his own projects and helped other artists.
He was married to Terri Corley, and had three children: Jason Jr., T.J., and Jesse. He was a devoted father and husband, and a generous and humble person. He was involved in various charitable and social causes, such as Rock the Vote, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Jam Master Jay Foundation for Music, which provides access and opportunities for children and young adults who want to pursue music education.
He was also a respected and beloved figure in his neighborhood, where he was known as a peacemaker and a role model. He often gave back to his community, hosting events, donating money, and supporting local businesses and organizations.
What Happened
But on the night of October 30, 2002, his life was cut short by a senseless act of violence. He was in his studio, working on some music and playing video games with his friends, when two men entered the premises. One of them, allegedly Ronald Washington, held a gun to the head of a woman who was in the lounge area, while the other, allegedly Karl Jordan Jr., walked into the control room, where Jam Master Jay was sitting on a couch. He then shot him once in the head, killing him instantly. The two men then ran out of the building and disappeared.
The police arrived at the scene but found no witnesses, no fingerprints, no DNA, no surveillance footage, and no murder weapon. The only clue they had was a shell casing from a .40-caliber handgun. They also had a list of possible motives, ranging from personal grudges to drug deals, to music industry disputes. But none of them led to any solid evidence or suspects.
The case soon became cold, and the family and friends of Jam Master Jay were left with no answers and no justice. They held vigils, memorials, and tributes, and kept his memory and music alive. They also hoped and prayed that one day, the truth would come out and the killers would be caught.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Karl Jr.’s net worth is not publicly known, but it is likely to be very low, considering his criminal history and his current incarceration. He has been involved in various drug-related crimes, such as selling crack cocaine, heroin, and oxycodone, which may have been his main source of income. He was also allegedly paid $10,000 by a drug supplier to kill Jam Master Jay, as part of a dispute over a cocaine deal.
Wife and Kids
Jordan Jr. does not appear to have a wife or any kids. There is no record or evidence of him being married or having any children. He may have had some romantic relationships in the past, but none of them were serious or lasting.
Parents and Siblings
Karl Jordan Jr. is the son of Darren Jordan and an unnamed mother. His father was a close friend and associate of Jam Master Jay, who helped him with his equipment, security, and promotion in the early years of Run-D.M.C. His father was also a drug dealer, who supplied Jam Master Jay with cocaine, which he sometimes used and sold. His father was also present at the studio on the night of the murder but claimed that he was there to pick up his son, who was with Jam Master Jay.
Karl Jr. has at least one sibling, a sister named Tashana Jordan. She testified in the trial of her brother and Washington and said that she saw her brother with a gun on the day of the murder. She also said that she heard him say that he had “done something stupid” and that he was “sorry for what he did to Uncle Jay”.
Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
Jordan Jr. is an American citizen, born in Queens, New York, in 1984. He is of African-American ethnicity, and his ancestors may have originated from West Africa. He does not seem to have any religious affiliation, or at least none that he has publicly expressed.
Karl Jordan Jr. Wiki/Bio
| Name | Karl Jordan Jr. |
|---|---|
| Alias | Lil D, Karlito |
| Birth Date | 1984 |
| Birth Place | Queens, New York, USA |
| Occupation | Drug dealer, rapper |
| Criminal Charges | Murder, conspiracy, drug trafficking |
| Criminal Status | Convicted, awaiting sentencing |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Children | None |
| Parents | Darren Jordan (father), unknown (mother) |
| Siblings | Tashana Jordan (sister) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Wikipedia | Not Live |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
The Background and History of the Alleged Killers
Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. were both known to Jam Master Jay and his circle. They were both from Queens, and had connections to the hip hop scene and the street life.
Ronald Washington, also known as “Tinard” or “Tenad”, was born in 1964. He was a childhood friend of Jam Master Jay, and they grew up together in Hollis. He was also a friend of Darren Jordan, the father of Karl Jordan. He was involved in various criminal activities, such as robberies, burglaries, and drug trafficking. He was also a suspect in another murder case, the killing of Randy Walker, also known as “Stretch”, a rapper and associate of Tupac Shakur, who was shot and killed in Queens in 1995.
Washington had a history of violence and conflict with Jam Master Jay. According to some sources, he had threatened him several times, and even shot at him once, over money and drug issues. He also had a falling out with him over a rap group called Rusty Waters, which Jam Master Jay had signed to his label, but Washington claimed to have discovered and managed. Washington felt that Jam Master Jay had betrayed him and owed him money and respect.
Washington was also present in the studio on the night of the murder, and had regular access to it. He claimed that he was sent by Jam Master Jay to buy some bullets for his gun, but some family members doubted this story. A witness also identified him as the man who held her at gunpoint while the other man shot Jam Master Jay. However, the police did not arrest him at the time, due to lack of evidence and cooperation from other witnesses.
Washington was later arrested and convicted for a series of robberies that he committed in 2007, along with another man, Darryl “Big D” Baum, who was also a suspect in the murder of Jam Master Jay. Baum was killed in a shootout with the police in 2009. Washington was sentenced to 17 years in prison, and is currently incarcerated in a federal facility in Kentucky.
Karl Jordan Jr., also known as “Lil D” or “Karlito”, was born in 1984. He was the son of Darren Jordan, who was a close friend and associate of Jam Master Jay. Darren Jordan had played a key role in the early years of Run-D.M.C., helping them with their equipment, security, and promotion. He was also a drug dealer, who supplied Jam Master Jay with cocaine, which he sometimes used and sold.
Jordan Jr. grew up idolizing Jam Master Jay, who was his godfather and mentor. He wanted to be a rapper, and Jam Master Jay encouraged him and gave him some opportunities to record and perform. He also gave him money, clothes, and jewelry, and treated him like family.
But according to some sources, Karl Jr. also had a troubled relationship with Jam Master Jay. He was jealous of his success and fame, and felt that he did not give him enough attention and support. He also resented him for cutting him out of a drug deal, which involved 10 kilograms of cocaine that Jam Master Jay had obtained from a supplier in Maryland. Jam Master Jay had planned to distribute the cocaine with Washington and Jordan, but later decided to do it on his own, or with someone else.
Karl Jordan Jr. was also at the studio on the night of the murder, and was seen by Washington, who claimed that he was with his father. A witness also recognized him as the man who shot Jam Master Jay, and noticed that he had a tattoo on his neck. However, the police did not arrest him at the time, either because they did not know his identity, or because they did not have enough proof.
Karl Jr. continued to live in Queens, and was involved in several drug-related crimes. He was arrested and convicted for selling crack cocaine in 2007, and was sentenced to three years in prison. He was released in 2010, and resumed his drug activities. He was arrested again in 2013, for selling heroin and oxycodone, and was sentenced to five years in prison. He was released in 2018, and was on supervised release until 2023.
The Trial of the Alleged Killers
On August 17, 2020, the authorities announced that they had indicted Ronald Washington and Jordan Jr. for the murder of Jam Master Jay. They were charged with one count of murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and one count of firearm-related murder. Jordan was also charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and seven counts of cocaine distribution. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and were held without bail.
The trial began on January 29, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, in Brooklyn. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth DuCharme and Artie McConnell, who argued that Washington and Jordan killed Jam Master Jay because he was going to cut them out of a lucrative drug deal involving 10 kilograms of cocaine. They presented various witnesses, such as former associates, drug dealers, informants, and family members, who testified about the relationship and the conflict between the defendants and the victim. They also presented forensic evidence, such as the shell casing, the bullet fragments, and the DNA samples, which linked the defendants to the crime scene.
The defense was led by attorneys Susan Kellman and Marlon Kirton, who represented Washington and Jordan respectively. They challenged the credibility and the motives of the prosecution’s witnesses, who they claimed were either lying, coerced, or offered deals in exchange for their testimony. They also questioned the validity and the reliability of the forensic evidence, which they claimed was either contaminated, tampered, or inconclusive. They suggested that there were other possible suspects and motives for the murder, such as a third man who was also charged in the case, or a rival drug gang that was targeting Jam Master Jay.
The trial lasted for four weeks, and the jury deliberated for two days. On February 27, 2024, they reached a verdict: guilty on all counts for both defendants. The verdict was met with mixed reactions from the public and the media. Some praised the justice system for finally solving the cold case and bringing closure to the family and friends of Jam Master Jay. Others criticized the prosecution for relying on questionable witnesses and evidence, and accused them of using the case to boost their careers and reputation.
The sentencing date was set for May 31, 2024. Washington and Jordan faced a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in prison, or the death penalty, for the murder charges. They also faced additional time for the drug charges. The judge, Raymond Dearie, had the discretion to decide the final sentence, based on the recommendations of the prosecution and the defense, and the statements of the victim’s family and the defendants themselves.
The family and friends of Jam Master Jay expressed their relief and satisfaction with the verdict, and hoped that the judge would impose the maximum sentence for the killers. They also thanked the authorities, the prosecutors, and the jury for their efforts and their service. They said that they would always remember and honor Jam Master Jay, and continue his legacy of music, peace, and love.
