United States v. Washington
Witness to Jam Master Jay slaying sentenced in robberies
AP Worldstream April 24, 2008
An eyewitness to the killing of rap pioneer Jam Master Jay in New York City has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a string of robberies after the Run-DMC legend's death.
U.S. federal prosecutors claim Ronald Washington was more than a witness to the 2002 shooting in Jay's Queens recording studio. They have said in court papers that Washington brandished a gun and made people in the studio stay on the floor while an unidentified gunman shot Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell.
Washington, 40, has denied any involvement and has not been charged in the slaying.
Still, prosecutors asked a judge to consider it in sentencing Washington Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Nina Gershon declined, noting that Washington was not prosecuted in the shooting.
Defense lawyer Susan Kellman says the prosecutors' claims are based on nothing but "gossip."
Five years later, still no answer in Jam Master Jay's death
Rich Schapiro | November 1, 2007 | The Daily News
Washington's lawyer, Susan Kellman, said the feds are just "trying to put pressure on him because they're embarrassed they can't solve the case."...
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