The Court of Appeal will issue its judgment by July 31 on whether incarcerated entertainer Vybz Kartel and his co-accused should face a retrial for the 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. This decision follows a complex legal journey marked by serious charges and prolonged delays. Lead judge Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop emphasized the necessity of providing detailed reasons for their decision despite the urgency due to one appellant’s health issues.
Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, along with Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John, were convicted in 2014—a verdict upheld by the Jamaican Court of Appeal in 2020 but overturned by the Privy Council in March 2024 due to juror misconduct.
“The question of a retrial is never easy for a court of law, especially when it involves serious offences and lengthy delays. It’s going to take us time, but the court is mindful of the need for expedition in this matter,” stated Justice McDonald-Bishop. She acknowledged the complexity and significance of the case, underscoring the need for comprehensive judicial reasoning.
“Given the importance of the case, even if we reach a decision, we cannot come back to just give our decision without our reasons for the decision. And that is where the delay usually comes from. But we’re mindful of all the issues, especially the health issue of one of the appellants. So, we’ll do our best and we can say we aim for no later than the end of the term.”
The defendants have consistently maintained their innocence regarding Williams’ murder. The case, remanded to the appeal court by the Privy Council, awaits a pivotal judgment that will determine whether Kartel and his co-accused will be retried. The legal proceedings, presided over by Justices David Fraser and Paulette Williams alongside McDonald-Bishop, concluded their arguments today, leaving the fate of the defendants in the balance until the court’s imminent decision.
