The Jamaica Court of Appeal has ordered the release of Vybz Kartel and his three co-defendants after the dancehall star spent years behind bars. In a unanimous decision on Wednesday, the court decided against a retrial in the murder case of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body was never found.

Court’s Decision and Implications

The court concluded that “the interest of justice does not require a new trial to be ordered.” This decision means that Vybz Kartel, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John will be released after their long imprisonment.

The court cited concerns about Kartel’s health and the severe conditions of his confinement since 2011. Kartel has been held in a cell with no air circulation, no water, and only a bucket for a toilet. His defense described his deteriorating health, noting that his neck was so swollen that he couldn’t close the collar of an 18.5-inch shirt, and his face was similarly affected. Kartel, who wears glasses, was experiencing severe eye protrusion due to the conditions.

BACKGROUND & LEGAL ISSUES

Drake celebrating World Boss freedom 🎉 pic.twitter.com/lhdwodKyb5

— Reagan’s TV (@PeterReagan777) July 31, 2024

In 2023, a sworn medical affidavit from Kartel’s private doctor highlighted the worsening of his Graves’ Disease and heart condition, warning that without surgery, his condition could be fatal.

Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, along with his co-defendants, had been imprisoned since their 2011 arrests and 2014 conviction for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. The conviction was based largely on circumstantial evidence, including video and phone records from Kartel’s BlackBerry Torch, and testimony from a discredited witness. Throughout the years, Kartel has maintained his innocence and fought to overturn the conviction.

The conviction was quashed earlier this year, and the British Privy Council allowed the Jamaican court to decide on a retrial or outright acquittal, resulting in no further prosecution.

Appeals and Final Decision

Kartel’s lawyers had made an appeal in 2020, but the convictions were initially upheld. The appeal was then taken to the United Kingdom-based Privy Council, Jamaica’s final court of appeal, which overturned the convictions in 2024 due to juror misconduct. This decision effectively returned the case to the Jamaican Court of Appeals for a final ruling.

Despite the lengthy legal battle, the court’s recent decision brings an end to their imprisonment and legal uncertainty.