Another dancehall legend appears set for a lengthy prison sentence as Ninja Man has been found guilty of murder and shooting with intent after his long-awaited murder trial finally reached a verdict on Monday at the Home Circuit Court in Kingston.
The iconic entertainer, whose real name is Desmond Ballentyne, was convicted for the 2009 shooting death of Ricardo ‘Ricky Trooper’ Johnson along Lower Mall Road in Kingston. His co-accused in the matter, Janiel Ballentyne (his son) and Dennis Clayton were also convicted in the matter.
The case been mentioned in court since 2009, but put off several times, in part because a key witness could be found. Seven witnesses were called during the trial, including the key witness, who was found and introduced to the court at the start of the trial.
Ninja Man suffered a mild heart attack during the trial and was admitted to hospital before being treated and released.
When he was being led away in handcuffs, Ninja Man reportedly said ‘A suh it guh man,’ before later shouting ‘don’t worry yuhself Jamaica, I’ll be back.'”
Ninja Man, 51, and his co-accused will be sentenced on December 15. They each face life imprisonments.
