After ten years, Vybz Kartel’s murder conviction was reversed

Vybz Kartel, the Jamaican dancehall artist, has had his murder conviction overturned.

The 48-year-old was sentenced to life in 2014 for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams in Jamaica.

His successful appeal, heard by the Privy Council in London, argued that a juror accused of attempting to bribe others should have been disqualified from the trial.

Authorities in Jamaica will now decide whether to retry the case.

The musician, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, is among Jamaica’s most renowned artists and has collaborated with the likes of Jay-Z and Rihanna.

His trial, lasting 64 days, was one of the lengthiest in Jamaican history, resulting in Kartel being ordered to serve a minimum of 35 years in prison, later reduced to 32-and-a-half years.

During the trial, it was revealed that the victim, Clive Williams, and another man were given firearms by Kartel for safekeeping. When they didn’t return them, they were called to Kartel’s house and allegedly attacked.

While the house was burned down, Clive Williams’ body was never found.

Kartel and his co-accused, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John, maintained their innocence throughout.

In their appeal before the Privy Council, the highest court of appeal in Jamaica and other Commonwealth countries, they argued that a juror accused of bribery wasn’t removed from the trial, compromising the fairness of the verdict.

The council ruled that allowing the juror to remain was “fatal to the safety of the convictions” and a violation of the defendants’ right to a fair trial.

While other issues were raised, the panel focused on the serious nature of the bribery allegations in dismissing the guilty verdicts.

Vybz Kartel’s global fame has seen him launch various ventures, including shoe lines, alcohol brands, and condoms. He was also the first dancehall artist to have his reality TV show, “Teacha’s Pet.”