Run-DMC's Darryl McDaniels Hopes Jam Master Jay Can 'Rest In Peace' After Arrests

The family of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay says they have "mixed emotions" following new arrests in the DJ's 2002 killing, but hope that it will be a "solid step" toward justice. 

Jason "Jay" Mizell, who performed under the name Jam Master Jay with the iconic hip hop group, was shot to death in a Queens recording studio in late October 2002. Earlier this week, prosecutors announced the indictments of Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington in Mizell's killing.

Prosecutors alleged that Washington and Jordan forced their way into the studio the evening of Oct. 30, 2002 over a dispute with Mizell involving roughly 10 kilograms of cocaine. Jordan shot Mizell in the head — killing him — while Washington held another person inside the studio at bay, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York alleged.

Both Washington and Jordan have pleaded not guilty, according to the New York Post. 

Washington had been sleeping on Mizell's couch in the days leading up to the shooting and had previously been identified as a possible suspect in the attack, according to prior reports.

“Upon hearing this news, we have mixed emotions; we truly hope that these indictments are a solid step towards justice being served in the murder of Jay,’’ Mizell's family said in a statement posted to his son Jesse's Instagram page.

“We realize that there are other families out there who have lingering pain who continue to wait for their own closure, and we pray that this case gives them hope," the statement continued, also asking for privacy.

In the photo caption, Jesse calls attention specifically to Breonna Taylor's killing in Louisville, questioning why the officers involved in her death are free to "watch mystery docs on who killed my dad."

"It’s honestly f--k 12 for me so ABC & any other major media outlet can take my number off their lists," he wrote. 'F--k 12' is an anti-police slogan popularized by Atlanta-area rappers.

Another member of Run-DMC, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, expressed gratitude for the arrest but noted it dredged up painful memories. 

“Although this latest news opens up a lot of painful memories for all of us who knew and loved Jam Master Jay, I’m relieved to hear that two suspects have been arrested and charged with his murder,” McDaniels said in a statement, according to Rolling Stone. “I commend NYPD, NYC Detectives, Federal Agents and all the law enforcement who were involved in this case, for not giving up and working to bring justice for Jay.”

"I realize this is a first step in the judicial process, but I hope Jay can finally Rest in Peace," McDaniels stated.

If convicted, both Washington and Jordan potentially face life sentences.