Vybz Kartel found guilty of murder

KINGSTON—Popular Jamaican and international dancehall DJ Vybz Kartel and three co-accused were found guilty of murder in the Home Circuit court yesterday. Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was charged jointly with fellow entertainer Shawn Campbell, also called Shawn Storm; Kahira Jones; Shane Williams; and André St John for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.
Of the four co-accused only Williams was found not guilty.

Clive Lizard Williams was allegedly beaten to death in August 2011 over a missing gun belonging to Kartel. Earlier in the day, police also arrested a male juror who attempted to bribe the foreman of the panel. News broke minutes before the afternoon sitting that a bribe attempt had been made, but the foreman rejected the offer and made a report.

At the beginning of the afternoon session Justice Lennox Campbell summoned the prosecution, defence and DPP Paula Llewellyn to his chambers to discuss the matter. The decision was made to continue the trial. The trial ran for 64 days and US rapper Busta Rhymes had been on the island showing support for Kartel. (Jamaica Observer)