Photo Credit;Jamaica Gleaner
The Court of Appeal in Jamaica has decided not to order a retrial for dancehall star Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused, marking the end of their legal battle. The unanimous decision was announced by Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, who led the panel of judges, including Justices Paulette Williams and David Fraser. "Having regard to all considerations the court has taken into account, we conclude that the interest of justice do not require a new trial to be ordered for the appellants," McDonald-Bishop stated. "We therefore make the following order: judgments and verdicts of acquittal are entered in relation to the appellants."
This decision concludes a saga that began with the 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. Kartel, Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Andre St John, and Kahira Jones were originally convicted in March 2014 and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, in March 2024, the UK-based Privy Council overturned these convictions due to juror misconduct. The Privy Council found that juror Livingston Cain, who had accepted a bribe to influence the jury, should have been dismissed, compromising the fairness of the trial. The Privy Council then directed the Court of Appeal to decide on the need for a retrial.
In June, the Court of Appeal heard extensive arguments from both the defense and the prosecution. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson argued for a retrial, insisting that “the accused should not evade justice due to technical errors,” and emphasizing that safeguards exist within the justice system to ensure a fair trial. She maintained that despite the seriousness of the offense and the strength of the case, “the ordeal suffered by the accused is not sufficient reason to avoid a retrial.”
Conversely, defense attorney Isat Buchanan contended that an acquittal was necessary to prevent further constitutional breaches, asserting, “The uncertainty of sustaining or continuing the breach elevates the breach.” Buchanan argued that the lengthy legal process and the men’s suffering, including Kartel’s health issues, should weigh against a retrial. While Kartel, Campbell, and St John are now free, Jones will continue to serve time due to a separate sentence.
