Vybz Kartel, the Jamaican dancehall singer, was convicted of murder a few days ago during a trial in Jamaica. Three other people were convicted in the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams in 2011.
The trial for Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, was the longest one in Jamaican circuit court history, as Billboard points out.
Three other men were found guilty in the slaying, which is said to have taken place at Kartel’s home. Williams was allegedly killed over a dispute regarding missing guns, reported The Gleaner.
Shane Williams, another accused, was freed, according to the paper.
Evidence against Kartel included text messages on his phone, which referred to Williams’ remains as “mincemeat” and was chopped up. His body was never located.
He also allegedly mentioned plans to flee the country.
Kartel was acquitted in another murder case in 2011. He was accused of killing Barrington “Bossie” Burton.
“The trial is said to be one of the longest in the region, lasting for 65 days. The men will be sentenced to life imprisonment and the judge will recommend how many years they will serve before they are eligible for parole. In the case of murder, the parole time can run to more than 15 years,” reads an excerpt of the Gleaner.
Prosecutors claimed Williams was beaten to death at Kartel’s house in August 2011 after he was lured there, reported The Associated Press.
Dennis Howard, who penned the book “Rantin' from Inside the Dancehall,” said the verdict was positive for the musical scene. Many dancehall performers have gotten in trouble with the law.
“The artists are realizing that they cannot be a bad man and an entertainer,” Howard said.
Kartel has been in jail for about three years.
His songs are popular among Jamaicans, especially those who live in slum areas, AP points out.
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