New York City – A third man has been charged in the murder of legendary DJ Jam Master Jay. 

Queens native Jay Byryant, 49, was already in custody on federal drug charges when he was charged with the 2002 slaying of DJ Jam Master Jay.Other charges related to the Run DMC member’s death include murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and other drug trafficking counts. In 2020 two other suspects, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr, were charged with his murder. They previously pleaded not guilty and are due to face trial in January 2024.

Court documents allege Mr Bryant, along with the two other men, we’re seen entering and later fleeing the building after the murder and Bryants DNA was  found at the scene. A court previously heard that the musician had been killed in a drug deal gone wrong. 

Mr Bryant’s attorney, César de Castro, said on Tuesday his client would plead not guilty to the charges.