Controversial Dancehall superstar, Adidja Palmer, more popularly known as Vybz Kartel has been sentenced to life in prison for the August 2011 murder of St. Catherine-based dancer, Clive ‘Lizard’ Williamsfollowing a hearing in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston on Thursday.
The deejay will not be eligible for parole for the first 35 years of his prison term, when he is 73 years old. His co-accused, Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre ‘Mad Suss’ St. John were also sentenced to life in prison, with the men not eligible for parole until 25, 25 and 30 years into their respective sentences, handed down by Supreme Court justice,Lennox Campbell.
Kartel was decked out in a full white suit and white shirt as he appeared cool and calm upon waiting for the judge’s ruling. Similar to last week’s hearing, the deejay maintained his innocence before the court, saying, through his lawyers, that he would not beg for mercy and accept the punishment handed down.
Justice Campbell that made a summation, saying there was premeditation and planning about the murder, while saying there was much distress for the family of the deceased Williams. He then handed down the sentences shortly before 11:30 a.m. Jamaican time.
