Vybz Kartel is official free of one murder charge but his legal troubles are far from over.
The “Dancehall Hero” deejay was yesterday freed in the Home Circuit court of the murder of Barrington “Bossie” Burton.
IN-DEPTH: Examining Why Vybz Kartel Trial Main Witness Went Into Hiding
A dapperly dressed Vybz Kartel wiped away tears from his eyes with a handkerchief as a female juror read the verdict of not guilty.
After weeks of back and forth between both sides over a motion filed by the prosecution to have a witness statement be entered in evidence, Justice Bryan Sykes sided with the defense and dismissed the motion.
The prosecution subsequently offered no further evidence and the judge instructed to jury to return a not guilty verdict.
One of the defense attorney’s told the court that police made up one of the witnesses and called them “a phantom.”
Nigel Thompson and Lenburgh McDonald were also freed of Burton’s murder.
In a statement sent to Urban Islandz, Vybz Kartel says he was being used as a scapegoat.
“I had the utmost confidence from the outset, as I knew I was being used as a scapegoat… because of my image and content of some of my music,” Vybz Kartel said
“I want to thank my attorneys Tom and Christian Tavares-Finson, my family, my baby mother Shorty and all my fans for their continued support in my trying times,” Kartel added.
Thompson and McDonald walked free, however, Vybz Kartel remains behind bars on another murder charge.
Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, was also charged with the murder of dancer Clive “Lizard” Williams. That trial is scheduled to get underway on November 18 after numerous delays.
Vybz Kartel’s second murder trial could be much tougher since authorities say they have video evidence linking Vybz Kartel and his co-accused to the murder.
Official police reports says Williams was beaten to death at a home in Havendale over a missing firearm.
Kartel’s protege Shawn “Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones, André St John, Calvin “Moonie” Haye, and Shane Williams are also jointly charged with Williams’ murder.
Police are yet to find Clive Williams body.
do not hurt adidja palmer god will vex.
free world bosssssss! anytime kartel drop a road some artiste career dunnnnnn!
Jamaican justice system is fu–ed up have the man locked up for over 2 years for nuttn n still holding him.
free gaza dan.
One of the defence attorneys submitted that 1 of the witnesses 4 the prosecution was “made up” a “phantom.”Wat will d system do next to Addi.
The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Lord’s Spirit is, there is freedom. free addi
He once said “don’t know whose corn I stepped over in the past bot it has came beck fe haunt me”….those words went deep in my thoughts and for Addi to cry after being acquitted shows he’s sorry to whoever is behind these silly accusations……leave him be now please.
as a warrior there is a lot of trials.
you soon free general…
di more dem fight addi stronger we get hang in ere world boss.
set worl boss and sivva sivv free.
Addi unnu soon hit doh road…
….a d teacher….