Repeatedly postponed, the trial of Vybz Kartel over the murder of Barrington 'Bossy' Bryan in July 2011 opened in mid-July and ended two weeks later with the acquittal of the singer and his two co-defendants.
The prosecution and the defence clashed over two key witnesses, who turned out to be untraceable: the prosecution envisaged a trial in their absence, while asking that their testimony be treated as evidence against the accused. Faced with an outcry from the lawyers, Judge Bryan Syke rejected the prosecution's request, acknowledged the lack of evidence and instructed the 12 jurors, at the hearing of 24 July, to acquit the three defendants.
Vybz Kartel is not free for all that, unlike Lenburgh McDonald and Nigel Thompson, who stood trial with him: he went back to his cell to await another trial, which will probably begin in November. This time he is charged, along with five other people, with the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams in August 2011.
Vybz Kartel welcomed the decision and passed journalists a handwritten statement in which he thanks his lawyer, his loved ones and his fans for their support. The authenticity of a second press release circulating on the internet, with very harsh words for Popcaan and Tommy Lee, has not, however, been confirmed by the artist's representatives.