Jam Master Jay murder trial: Opening statements underway for 2 men charged in 2002 killing
NEW YORK -- Opening statements and testimony began Monday in the murder trial of legendary rap star Jam Master Jay.
Federal prosecutors say the Run-DMC star's killing was motivated by greed and revenge, adding the plan to kill him was devised after Jay cut the suspects, including his own godson, out of a cocaine-trafficking deal.
Flanked by more than a half-dozen attorneys between them, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. heard the case against them laid out, more than two decades later, in front of a packed courtroom of Jam Master Jay supporters.
"I'm not a witness. I'm just here to support my friend who passed away," DJ Hurricane said.
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Prosecutors say on Oct. 30, 2002, inside Jay's recording studio in Hollis, Queens, Washington waved a gun around and ordered everyone to the floor before Jordan shot 37-year-old Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay, execution style in the back of the head.
Prosecutors say Jordan was Mizell's godson and Washington was Mizell's childhood friend.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda Gonzalez told the jury, "This was a brazen murder. They murdered a world famous musician in front of people they knew."
Prosecutors argue Washington and Jordan devised a plan to murder the legendary DJ after he cut them out of a cocaine-trafficking deal.
"You hear something like this -- someone from the neighborhood -- to see these men involved in this, it's a tough thing. I can't believe it," said Darryl Pringle, a friend of Jam Master Jay.
In their opening statements, defense attorneys tried to poke holes in the prosecution's case, telling the jury their only evidence consists of aging memories.
The prosecution's first witness, retired NYPD detective James Lusk, testified investigators had to secure a search warrant to scour the crime scene two days after the murder and admitted police took no photos of the fire escape leading into the recording studio.
Lusk also testified that none of the five other people inside the studio called 911 after the shooting.
"Personally, the investigation wasn't done properly. Someone didn't do their homework right," Pringle said.
For years, the killing of Jam Master Jay remained one of hip hop's most elusive crimes. Prosecutors have said in court papers that the case took crucial strides in the last five years as they interviewed new people, did more ballistics tests and got important witnesses to cooperate.
Testimony continues Tuesday with another crime scene detective who worked the case.
Both of the defendants have pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they face 20 years in prison.
The trial expected to last a month.
A third suspect, Jay Bryant, is expected to stand trial later this year.