Vybz Kartel Released From Prison After Murder Conviction Overturned For Juror Misconduct, Won't Be Retried
Vybz Kartel has been released from prison following the overturn of his 2014 murder conviction.
Vybz Kartel, a Jamaican dancehall star, was convicted for the murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams, a fellow dancer and member of Kartel's entourage. He was murdered in the year 2011, but his body was never found.
Kartel was sentenced to life in prison, being told he must serve a minimum of 35 years, which was later reduced to 32.5 years. He's been in custody since 2011 and has served 10 years.
According to 'The Express Tribune,' Kartel's overturned conviction was due to juror misconduct and bribery. One of the jurors allegedly offered his fellow jurors $500,000 Jamaican dollars for an acquittal. Once the Privy Council in London discovered the misconduct, Kartel, real name Adidja Palmer, was released from prison on the grounds that this was "fatal to the safety of the convictions."
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His case was overturned back in March 2024, but was released from prison this week. The 'BBC' reports the "Drag Dem Bat" artist would not be retried.
Jamaica's Court of Appeal determined that there would be no retrial for Kartel, 48, following this overturn on July 31st, 2024. Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop stated that "the interests of justice do not require a new trial" and the original proceedings impeded on his "fundamental right to a fair hearing."
The producer behind '1Xtra's Dancehall Show,' Seani B, expressed his joy of Kartel's return home.
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"For the last 14 years, Kartel has probably become even more infamous. Now on his release, I would say he's returned to a space that's been awaiting him for so many years," he said. "There's a whole new generation of dancehall fans that are just waiting for Vybz Kartel's return to that music."
Prior to his arrest, the Kingston, Jamaica, native collaborated with Rihanna and Eminem.
