Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel, known for his cult-like following in Kenya and globally, is on the verge of tasting freedom after his murder conviction was overturned.
The 48-year-old, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, had been serving a life sentence since 2014 for the killing of his associate Clive “Lizard” Williams on the Caribbean island.
However, Kartel and his three co-defendants successfully appealed the conviction on grounds of juror misconduct.
Authorities in Jamaica will now decide whether to retry the case, marking a potential turning point in one of the most high-profile legal sagas.
Kartel’s original trial, spanning 64 days, resulted in a minimum sentence of 32-and-a-half years, later reduced from an initial 35 years.
The case revolved around allegations that Kartel and his associates were involved in the disappearance and presumed murder of Clive Williams, whose body was never recovered after an alleged attack at Kartel’s house in August 2011.
During the appeal hearing before the Privy Council, the highest court of appeal in Jamaica and other Commonwealth countries, it was revealed that a juror accused of attempting to bribe fellow jury members was allowed to remain on the case.
This decision was deemed “fatal to the safety of the convictions” by the council, leading to the dismissal of the guilty verdicts.
Additionally, the defendants argued that jurors were pressured to reach a verdict late in the day and that crucial evidence, such as a text message allegedly sent from Kartel’s phone, was obtained in breach of guidelines.
Vybz Kartel, a global star with hits including “Clarks,” “Ramping Shop,” and “Summer Time,” has collaborated with renowned performers such as Jay-Z and Rihanna.
His success transcended music, leading to ventures in fashion, alcohol, and even reality TV with his show “Teacha’s Pet.”
