Eyewitness to Jam Master Jay's killing testifies about what he saw on Oct. 30, 2002
NEW YORK -- There was intense testimony in federal court on Wednesday as the other victim shot the night Jam Master Jay was killed took the stand.
Tony Rincon visibly cried as he described his mentor, Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay, shot to death in front of him. He said he realized he had been shot, himself, and explained why he didn't tell police who the gunman was until years later.
Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. are charged with murdering Mizell and shooting Rincon in the leg in a case that rocked the world of hip-hop and remained a mystery for more than 20 years.
On Wednesday in federal court, Rincon described the night of Oct. 30, 2002, inside Mizell's studio in Hollis, Queens.
"While we were just talking, the front door of the studio comes open. I see Mr. Jordan come toward Jay. He gave half a handshake and I heard gunshots. I saw Jay just fall. Then I felt pain in my left knee and realized I'd been shot," Rincon said.
READ MORE: Jam Master Jay murder trial: Opening statements underway for 2 men charged in 2002 killing
Rincon testified that Washington was standing near the door of the studio as Jordan shot them. He said both men then ran out toward the building's fire escape.
"I kept shaking Jay asking if he was okay, but he was dead," Rincon said.
Rincon said he lied to police multiple times when he said he didn't know who shot him and the legendary Run-DMC DJ because he was frightened.
"I was confused. I was scared and not trusting a lot of things at the same time," Rincon said.
READ MORE: Witnesses reluctant to testify in Jam Master Jay murder trial, prosecutors say
Prosecutors say in 2017 Rincon finally told police the truth about Jordan and Washington. When asked why, he testified, "I felt his wife and children needed closure."
Grilled under cross examination on why he lied about recognizing the shooter, Rincon reiterated that he was scared, adding, "I'm still scared today."
Outside court, Ronald Capeharp, a friend of Mizell's, said of Rincon's testimony, "He sounds very honest to me, what he's seeing and saying."