Americas Vybz Kartel Released: Appeals Court Overturns Murder Conviction

Jamaican Court of Appeals frees Vybz Kartel, declining to retry him for the 2014 murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams. The decision follows the Privy Council’s ruling on juror misconduct. Kartel, who continued his music career while imprisoned, is now a free man after a decade.

The Jamaican Court of Appeals has decided not to retry Vybz Kartel, overturning his 2014 murder conviction and freeing him after ten years in prison. This decision follows a March ruling by the UK-based Privy Council, which cited juror misconduct in the initial trial of Kartel and his co-defendants.

Kartel, convicted for the murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams in 2014, was accused of luring Williams to his home and killing him over missing guns. Despite claims from prosecutors and a controversial text message found on Kartel’s phone, Williams' body was never discovered.

The initial trial, lasting over two months, was marred by allegations of a juror offering bribes, which the judge chose to overlook, continuing the trial instead. This alleged misconduct became the focal point of Kartel’s appeal, ultimately leading to the conviction being overturned.

The appeals court stated, "The interests of justice do not require a new trial to be ordered," allowing Kartel to be released.

Vybz Kartel, one of Jamaica's most prominent dancehall artists, collaborated with international stars like Rihanna, Missy Elliot, and Busta Rhymes before his imprisonment. Remarkably, he continued to release music while incarcerated, including his hit single "Fever" in 2016.

Kartel’s release has sparked significant reactions both locally and internationally, with fans and critics alike debating the implications of his freedom and the integrity of the Jamaican judicial system.