In a surprising turn of events, the Jamaica Court of Appeal has ordered the release of dancehall star Vybz Kartel and his three codefendants after spending years behind bars. The decision, made unanimously on Wednesday, ruled against a retrial in the murder case of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body was never found.
The court’s decision means that Vybz Kartel, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John will finally be released from prison after facing conviction in 2014 for the murder. The court cited concerns about Kartel’s health and the potential impact of a retrial on the appellants as reasons for not ordering a new trial.
Vybz Kartel, also known as Adidja Palmer, and his co-defendants have been incarcerated in a Jamaican prison since their arrests in 2011. The conviction was largely based on circumstantial evidence, including video and phone records from Kartel’s BlackBerry Torch and a witness whose credibility was questioned.
Throughout the years, Vybz Kartel has maintained his innocence and fought to have his conviction overturned. The recent decision by the Jamaica Court of Appeal to free him comes after the British Privy Council quashed his conviction and allowed the Jamaican court to decide on a retrial or outright acquittal.
Despite facing obstacles and legal challenges, Vybz Kartel and his co-defendants have finally secured their freedom after years of legal battles. The release marks the end of a long and arduous journey for the dancehall star and his associates.
