Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has finally been freed following a years-long court battle.
The decision to release him was handed down on Wednesday by the Jamaica Court of Appeal. Kartel and his codefendants Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John spent years behind bars for a heinous murder. They were arrested in 2011 for the slaying of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body has never been recovered. The circumstantial case accused Kartel of luring Williams to his residence and beating him to death over alleged missing guns. The trial was based primarily on text messages, one of which allegedly detailed how Williams’ body had been chopped up and would never be found. Kartel reportedly sent this. He and the other were found guilty in 2014.
In March 2024, the UK-based Privy Council overturned the convictions, alleging juror misconduct. A retrial was not ordered for several reasons. One of which was Kartel’s ailing health. The singer suffers from Graves’ Disease and a progressing heart condition. The court ruled he may not be able to complete a longer sentence. Other factors include a discredited witness and possible prejudice against the defendants during a retrial.
Needless to say, fans rejoiced when the news broke, taking to social media to welcome the “Ghetto Youth” performer home. People in Jamaica took their celebrations to the streets once the verdict was unveiled, overjoyed by Kartel’s return.
Scenes Down Town as the Vybz Kartel verdict spreads. pic.twitter.com/uyOvcVQvqo
— Daveon (@NugentDaveon) July 31, 2024
Mom: Who sold our house?
Me at The Vybz Kartel’s first concert: pic.twitter.com/B9WGzlziJH
— The Tropixs (@Tropixsofficial) July 31, 2024
Vybz Kartel is free. It’s definitely summer time.pic.twitter.com/2Xv0fNsjmO
— CC (@L1CCJN) July 31, 2024
First promoter who bring Vybz kartel won’t have to throw another event ever again 😂😂
— Fashion Killa♎️💫🇧🇸🇯🇲 (@PaigeEdisha) July 31, 2024
*Vybz Kartel freed*
Me on my way to Jamaica for his first concert: pic.twitter.com/3sVJYrLSrv
— brittttne (@Brittttne) July 31, 2024
Promoters on the phone with Vybz Kartel management right now pic.twitter.com/PunizTbHZO
— Travis World (@itstravisworld) July 31, 2024
Everyone on the TL when the news hit that Vybz Kartel is free 😂 pic.twitter.com/ToSE3C3k6f
— 🇯🇲 Bertobreal👨🏽💻 (@bertobreal) July 31, 2024
Kartel home
Track & Field starts tomorrow
And tomorrow is Emancipation Day?!It’s a great day to be a Jamaican pic.twitter.com/uJyM91bpJT
— Horton Hears A Woo (@AmbersMdrnLife) July 31, 2024
Me at Vybz Kartel's first concert pic.twitter.com/uZrJdFsZ6M
— Chombe🃏 (@Chombe1080) July 31, 2024
