After an 8-week trial Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, and three other men have been found guilty of the murder of 27-year-old Clive “Lizard” Williams, who was beaten to death at Kartel’s home in 2011. The Jamaica Gleaner reports that an 11-member jury deliberated for almost two hours before reaching a 10-1 verdict. After urging by the cases presiding judge, the jury went back into deliberations, returning with a unanimous conviction.
Kartel was one of six men charged with Williams’ murder, reportedly over missing firearms. Charges against fashion designer Calvin Haye were dropped late last year, while another defendant, Shane Williams, was found not guilty at trial.
Busta Rhymes showed support for his “#Twerkit (Remix)” collaborator by attending the trial. Throughout his nearly decade and a half career, Kartel has collaborated with superstars including Pitbull, Rihanna, and Missy Elliott.
Kartel and the three other convicted men will return to court for a sentencing hearing on March 27.
Check out the video below to hear Busta’s thoughts on the trial.
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