Vybz Kartel charged with second murder

Last night, after a two-hour interrogation, embattled Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel has been slapped with a second murder charge, related to the death of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. The 35-year-old rapper (real name Adijah Palmer) is already facing accusations he conspired with three others to kill 27-year-old businessman Barrington ‘Bossie’ Burton, who died on the streets of St. Catherine on 11th July.

Williams was killed on 16th August in Havendale, about 20 miles northeast of Kartel’s native Portmore neighbourhood. Williams’ body has not been found yet. Kiro Jones was also charged with murder. Kartel is currently under investigation, “in connection with a number of murders, shootings and gun running,” stated Assistant Police Commissioner Ealan Powell. Kartel’s lawyer, Michael Deans, told the Jamaica Observer that the performer is “shocked at these baseless allegations, but has the greatest confidence in the judiciary and the legal system.”

Kartel, who has vowed to fight the allegations, was arrested suspicion of marijuana possession on 11th September, and charged with murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession a firearm on 3rd October. He has been in jail since then, and is scheduled to return to court on today.