Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel and two of his co-accused will learn their fate on May 30, 2024, when the Court of Appeal decides whether to release them on bond pending a murder retrial.
On May 29, 2024, their lawyers presented submissions for a habeas corpus application seeking the release of Adidja Palmer, also known as Vybz Kartel, Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, and Andre St John before Justice Andrea Thomas in the Supreme Court.
The legal team for the fourth accused, Kahira Jones, did not submit on his behalf, as he has another pending court matter.
Justice Andrea Thomas is scheduled to deliver a written ruling at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Previously, in March, the Privy Council overturned the murder convictions of the accused due to juror misconduct and returned the case to the Jamaica Court of Appeal to decide on a possible retrial or release.
A retrial mention date has been set for June 10, 2024.
In 2014, the court found all four men guilty of the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams in 2011.
Alleged Police Confrontation Results in the Death of ‘Respected ‘Papa,’ in August Town.
Jamaican law enforcement authorities have reported that during a confrontation in the August Town community of St Andrew, security forces fatally shot an alleged gang leader on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. The individual, identified as Marvin Markland, also known as ‘Papa,’ was purportedly the head of the Bottom August Town gang.
Police reports suggest that Markland was implicated in numerous high-profile criminal activities, including some within August Town.
Senior Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, who leads the St Andrew Central Police Division, has verified Markland’s death.
Nesbeth detailed that the security forces were conducting an operation in the area when they engaged Markland. During the ensuing confrontation, Markland was shot and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The Independent Commission of Investigations (IDECOM) is currently investigating the circumstances of the shooting.