Privy Council Quashes Murder Convictions in Kartel Case on Grounds of Juror Misconduct

Kartel and the others were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Kartel, entertainer Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John were convicted in 2014 for killing Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams in 2011.

The Privy Council has quashed the murder convictions of dancehall entertainer Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer and three other men, ruling that the case be sent back to Jamaica’s Court of Appeal for a ruling on whether they should be retried.

However, the Privy Council said in its judgment a short while ago that the men’s convictions should be quashed on the ground of juror misconduct.

Lawyers for the appellants had raised the issue of breaches of the Charter of Rights in relation to telecommunications evidence used against the men.

They also argued that Justice Lennox Campbell should have dismissed a tainted juror who was later found guilty of accepting a bribe to try to influence other jurors in the case.

However, the attorney for the State dismissed the arguments, contending that the evidence against the men was overwhelming and their convictions should stand.

He also argued that “one bad apple” should not lead to a dismissal of the entire jury.

Williams was allegedly killed after he failed to return two unlicensed guns given to him by Kartel for safekeeping.

Williams has not been seen or heard from since then.

Kartel was ordered to serve 35 years before being eligible for parole, while Shawn Storm’s parole eligibility period was set at 25 years.

St John and Jones were ordered to serve 30 and 25 years, respectively, before they are eligible for parole.

Kartel and his co-accused denied any involvement in the killing of Williams.

SOURCE: Jamaica Gleaner