Vybz Kartel Freed After 13 Years: Murder Conviction Overturned

Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel is to be freed from prison after his murder conviction was overturned. The ruling came on July 31, ending a 13-year incarceration.

Kartel, 48, had been serving a life sentence since 2014 for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body was never found. Now, after over a decade behind bars, the Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of his release.

In a unanimous decision, the Court of Appeal declared that Vybz Kartel and his co-accused, Shawn “Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John, will not face a new trial. Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop delivered the news, stating: “We conclude that the interest of justice does not require a new trial.”

Justice McDonald-Bishop continued, “Judgments and verdicts of acquittal are entered in relation to the appellants. The appellants are free.”

The successful appeal, heard by the Privy Council in London, Jamaica’s highest court, argued that a juror accused of attempting to bribe others should have been excluded from the trial. Despite overturning the convictions, the Privy Council did not release the men immediately, passing the decision to the Court of Appeal.

Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, is one of Jamaica’s most renowned musical artists, known for collaborations with Rihanna and Jay-Z. His 64-day trial, the longest in Jamaican history, led to life sentences for him and his co-accused. St. John and Kartel received minimum terms of 35 and 30 years, respectively, while Campbell and Jones faced 25 years each.

With the ruling, Vybz Kartel’s return to freedom marks the end of a protracted legal battle and a new chapter in the life of the iconic dancehall star.