Jamaican dancehall legend Vybz Kartel freed from prison after 13 years behind bars

Vybz Kartel has been freed from prison after spending 13 years behind bars.

Yesterday (July 31), a Jamaican court of appeals declined to retry Kartel after an appeal to overturn his conviction, which saw him sentenced to life for murder, was successful in March. This resulted in a freed Kartel – real name Adidja Palmer – who had spent a decade in prison for the death of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

The musician and former reality TV star stood trial in 2014 for the August 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. The killing was the result of a row over two missing guns. Prosecutors had said Williams was beaten to death after being lured to Kartel’s to account for the whereabouts of the firearms.

Palmer’s associates Shawn Campbell (aka Shawn Storm), Kahira Jones and Andre St John were also found guilty. A fourth man, Shane Williams, received the sole non-guilty verdict. The trial became one of the longest in Jamaica’s history after it ran for 64 days. Palmer was ordered to serve a minimum of 35 years in jail, although this was later reduced to 32-and-a-half years.

Per Jamaica Gleaner, fans of Palmer were seen celebrating outside the Kingston courthouse after the verdict was delivered.

Fans broke down barriers to mob attorney Isat Buchanan as he emerged from the Court of the Appeal in downtown Kingston on Wednesday, after his client and dancehall star Vybz Kartel was just freed of a murder charge. “Free worl’ boss!” the fans shouted.

📹: Sashana Small pic.twitter.com/HmzIEnZ6Jm

— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) July 31, 2024

Music star Vybz Kartel is now out of the State’s custody and is back on Jamaican streets. The 48-year-old artiste, who is battling ill health, was met by adoring fans as he left prison in Kingston, hours after the Court of Appeal freed him of a 13-year-old murder charge. pic.twitter.com/QYGtuD6dI3

— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) July 31, 2024

On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Palmer shared a video of himself and his wife Sidem Öztürk celebrating his release.

Am out! Me and WIFEY 🍾 pic.twitter.com/UeChSH33Wt

— Vybz Kartel (@Vybz_Official) July 31, 2024

During the 2014 trial, one of the jurors allegedly tried to offer bribes to others on the panel. After this came to light, the alleged briber was not dismissed from the case. During his appeals process, the potential juror misconduct became the focal point of Palmer’s argument for his release. Palmer shared an article reporting his release, tweeting “What I tell you?”.

Before his conviction in 2014, Palmer had worked with huge names across the pop and hip-hop scene, including the likes of Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, and Jay-Z. He has continued to release new music while incarcerated. His latest, the album ‘Party With Me’, was released last June.

Since news of his release reached the rest of the world, fans shared their excitement over seeing him live again. Rapper Based Savage joked: “I just know Drake already on the phone wit Vybz Kartel’s manager.”

I just know Drake already on the phone wit Vybz Kartel’s manager

— BASED SAVAGE (@crackcobain__) July 31, 2024

Me at Vybz Kartel’s first concert pic.twitter.com/uZrJdFsZ6M

— Chombe🃏 (@Chombe1080) July 31, 2024

*Vybz Kartel freed*

Me on my way to Jamaica for his first concert: pic.twitter.com/3sVJYrLSrv

— brittttne (@Brittttne) July 31, 2024

Mom: Who sold our house?

Me at The Vybz Kartel’s first concert: pic.twitter.com/B9WGzlziJH

— The Tropixs (@Tropixsofficial) July 31, 2024

me when i get the credit card statement after spending my life savings on the next Vybz Kartel concert pic.twitter.com/16InenwOpI

— вяιтт (@yungbrittbrat) July 31, 2024