Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel freed after murder conviction overturned by UK judges

Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, real name Adidja Palmer, has been freed from prison after judges ruled that he should not face a retrial for murder. The 48-year-old was jailed in 2014 for the killing of Clive "Lizard" Williams but has always maintained his innocence. His conviction was overturned by UK judges in March.

Although the Privy Council in London overturned his conviction months ago, Jamaican authorities took time to decide on a potential retrial. On Wednesday, appeal judges in Jamaica decided the case would not return to court, allowing Kartel, who is reportedly in poor health, to be released.

In his 2014 trial, it was alleged that Williams and another man, Lamar Chow, were given unlicensed firearms by Kartel. When they failed to return them, they were summoned to Kartel's house in August 2011, where Chow testified they were attacked. Williams was never seen alive again, and his body was never found. Kartel and co-accused Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, with Kartel given a minimum of 35 years.

Kartel's defense argued that a juror accused of bribery should have been dismissed from the trial. The Privy Council in London agreed, stating the juror's inclusion made the conviction unsafe and infringed upon the defendants' right to a fair hearing. The judges ruled the juror's presence was "fatal to the safety of the convictions which followed."

On Wednesday, Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop of Jamaica's Court of Appeal cited the "egregious nature and seriousness of the offence" but noted the time elapsed, lack of access to witnesses and evidence, and the cost of a retrial. She also mentioned Kartel's "declining health" and the potential impact of a new trial on his wellbeing. "We conclude that the interests of justice do not require a new trial," she said, formally acquitting Kartel and his co-defendants.

The hearing in Kingston, Jamaica, was held under heavy security and closely watched nationwide. Vybz Kartel, one of Jamaica's most popular artists, has collaborated with Jay-Z, Eminem, and Rihanna. His hits include "Clarks," "Ramping Shop," and "Summer Time," and he has launched lines of shoes, alcohol, and condoms. He also starred in his reality TV show, "Teacha's Pet."