Jay Bryant, also known by several aliases including "Bradshaw Dewitt" and "Big Jay," pleaded guilty on April 27 to the firearm-related murder of Jason Mizell, known as "Jam Master Jay" from Run-DMC. The plea was entered before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg in Brooklyn federal court. Bryant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 20 years in prison for this crime, as well as for prior narcotics trafficking and firearms charges.
The case is significant due to its connection with the high-profile killing of a prominent hip hop artist more than two decades ago. Prosecutors say that bringing those responsible to justice demonstrates ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said: “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. 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.” Nocella thanked multiple law enforcement partners involved in solving this case.
Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge at ATF New York Division said: “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. 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.” NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tish added: “The defendant’s guilty plea reflects the relentless work of NYPD detectives to hold criminals accountable, no matter how much time has passed... thanks to our investigators... those who are responsible are now being held accountable.”
According to court filings referenced during proceedings, Mizell had been involved since at least August 2002 with arranging cocaine sales beyond his music career. A dispute among co-conspirators led Karl Jordan Jr., Ronald Washington—both already indicted—and others ultimately excluding Mizell from a drug deal worth nearly $200,000 before murdering him on October 30, 2002.
On that day at about 7:30 p.m., Bryant allowed Jordan and Washington into Mizell's recording studio through a locked fire escape door without alerting anyone inside. Jordan then shot Mizell at close range while Washington threatened another individual present; another person was wounded during this incident.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Misorek, Miranda Gonzalez, Andrew D. Wang prosecuted with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder.
The U.S. Attorney's Office supports community outreach initiatives according to its official website. Its offices are located both in Brooklyn and Central Islip per its website. The office prosecutes federal crimes as well as represents civil matters within its jurisdiction as stated online. Breon Peace currently leads it as United States Attorney according to their site. This district covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island along with Nassau County and Suffolk County as indicated officially, serving as designated federal prosecutor's office for these areas.
