Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has been released from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, following a landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal.
The 48-year-old artist walked free on July 31, 2024, after the court overturned his 13-year conviction for the 2011 murder of Clive Williams.
Kartel’s release comes after prolonged legal battles and health concerns.
Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, along with co-defendants Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Andre St John, and Kahira Jones, were initially convicted in 2014.
Their convictions were upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2020, but the Privy Council overturned them in March 2024, citing juror misconduct.
The case was sent back to the appeal court to determine the need for a retrial. The court’s recent ruling against a retrial led to the release of Kartel and his co-defendants.
The decision reflects the court’s consideration of Kartel’s deteriorating health.
Reports from his legal team highlighted severe medical conditions, including Graves’ disease and a heart condition, exacerbated by poor prison conditions.
The court noted that a retrial could impose significant psychological and financial strain on Kartel.
However, Kahira Jones remains in prison due to a separate 18-year sentence for wounding with intent, stemming from a 2009 incident.
