Director of Public Prosecution issues Release regarding Vybz Kartel and Co-convicts Murder Case Appeal

Following news that the appeal submitted to the U.K Privy Council in the murder case involving popular dancehall artist Vybz Kartel and his three co-convicts with respect to specific elements of the case was denied. The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has issued a press release clarifying issues in the high-profile matter.

It read,

“In order to bring clarity to the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council dated February 15, 2023 relative to the captioned matter, given its high public interest, the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions(ODPP) will outline the relevant sequence of events that took place and its outcome.

The Court of Appeal of Jamaica had previously granted the Appellants, leave to appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council against their conviction and sentence. While awaiting the outcome of their appeal, two (2) further applications were made to the Privy Council consequent on their attorneys’ court- sanctioned examination of the cellular phone exhibit by their expert which was done in the presence of the Crown’s expert in Jamaica.

The first application by the Appellants’ attorneys sought to adduce fresh evidence in order to establish that there was improper interference with the cellular phone of the second appellant, Adidja Palmer, while it was in the custody of the police.

The second application on behalf of Mr. Palmer, sought the permission of the Privy Council, to advance additional grounds of appeal, in respect of which leave had not been previously granted by the Court of Appeal of Jamaica.

The Crown/Respondent was represented at the Privy Council by Counsel from Charles Russell Speechly’s with local assistance from Counsel in the Privy Council Unit of the ODPP.

By Order dated 15 February 2023, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, having considered the written submissions of the Appellants and the Respondent, refused both applications.

The determination of these two (2) applications now sets the stage for the full hearing of the substantive appeal against conviction and sentence at a future date to be appointed by the Privy Council.”

Signed

Paula V. Lewellyn K.C

Director of Public Prosecutions