Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has been released from prison after 13 years behind bars.
A judge ruled this week that Kartel can not be retried over his case was overturned in March.
Kartel, real name Adidja Azim Palmer, was arrested in 2011 for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Williams was ordered to visit Kartel at his home in Kingston after failing to return two firearms to him. Williams’ home was burned down just two days later and Williams was never seen again.
Lamar Chow, who was also summoned to the home, was beaten but survived the attack and testified against Kartel. His codefendants, co-accused Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John were convicted and jailed for life.
BREAKING: Vybz Kartel is free!
— Nationwide90FM (@NationwideRadio) July 31, 2024
The entertainer left the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility a short while ago.
He was greeted by family before driving away in a white limousine. pic.twitter.com/Z08L0gAj0M
He was convicted and was sentenced to life in prison. The artist was ordered to serve a minimum of 35 years in jail … later reduced to 32-and-a-half years.
Appeal judge Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop argued that the court had weighed up “the egregious nature and seriousness of the offence” along with the evidence supplied, the expense of a retrial, and “lack of access to witnesses”.
The judge also said that Kartel’s health was already poor and that another trial could cause him more harm. “We conclude that the interests of justice do not require a new trial,” she said.
