Vybz Kartel is gearing up for another tough legal battle in the Jamaican court of appeal.
The aced dancehall deejay was convicted of murder in 2014 and sentenced to life in a maximum security prison. Shortly after his shocking conviction, his legal team, headed by Tom Tavares-Finson, immediately filed an appeal, citing evidence tampering, witness intimidation among a host of other things.
Tavares-Finson has confirmed that an appeal hearing could come as early as later this year.
“The transcripts have been reviewed and are just about ready. So it is possible that the bid for an appeal is likely,” he said.
Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, and his three co-convicts have all maintained their innocence in the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. The deejay’s protege Shawn “Storm” Campbell, Andre St John, and Kahira Jones are also serving life sentences with the possibility of parole ranging from 25 to 35 years. All four men were sentenced to hard labor.
Vybz Kartel continues to maintain a strong presence on dancehall airwaves locally and overseas despite being behind bars since 2011. He also won two Youth View Award this year for Favourite Artiste Male Local and Favourite Dancehall Artiste.