A Queens man found guilty of executing Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay — but whose conviction was overturned by a federal judge — could be freed within days after being granted a $1 million bond Monday.
Brooklyn federal court Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall ordered the release of Karl Jordan Jr., 42, who was arrested in 2020 on charges of fatally shootingthe hip-hop legend, whose real name was Jason Mizell.
“There’s a real chance, Mr. Jordan, that you may be released in the very near term,” Hall told the formerly convicted killer.
“I wish you luck. And you will stay out of trouble,” the judge warned.
Seventeen of Jordan’s family and friends agreed to sign the hefty bail package, which includes several homes being put up as collateral.
But Jordan, who still faces other drug charges unrelated to Mizell’s 2002 murder, won’t walk free immediately.
Brooklyn federal prosecutors have until Friday to decide if they want to appeal Hall’s order. If they do, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals will have a chance to overturn the judge and order that Jordan remain in lockup.
Jordan would be subject to location monitoring if released.
But the judge said she was also trusting Jordan’s “word” that he would follow the court’s rules.
“At the end of the day, bond is about you giving me your word,” Hall told him.
“I’m aware of that,” Jordan replied.
“For me, my word is my bond,” the judge then said.
“Likewise,” Jordan answered.
Hall also warned Jordan’s family and friends that she would not hesitate to allow the feds to go after their assets if he attempts to flee.
“Y’all know I do not play,” the judge said from the bench. “We all understood, folks?”
“Yes, your honor,” Jordan’s supporters collectively responded from the courthouse gallery.
Monday’s hearing came after the same judge in December overturned the jury’s guilty verdict, finding that prosecutors didn’t prove Mizell’s killing was drug-related — an essential element of the federal murder charge Jordan faced.
Her decision came despite an eyewitness identifying Jordan as the manwho shot the rap icon dead at close range inside Mizell’s Queens studio.
Prosecutors claimed at trial that the killing was a revenge plot by Jordan and co-defendant Ronald Washington after the pair were stiffed in a drug deal in Baltimore just months before the shooting.
Washington’s conviction still stands and he awaits sentencing.
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