Why Was Vybz Kartel in Jail? Arrest & Release Explained

People are curious about why Vybz Kartel was in jail and if he’s has been set free . The Jamaican dancehall deejay was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014, following his arrest in 2011 for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. In the music world, Vybz Kartel is best known for his singles like Summer Time, How We Roll, and Jamaica. He is also known for his collaborations with major music figures like Rihanna and Major Lazer. Famed musician Drake has also reportedly cited Kartel as an inspiration for his career.

So why did Vybz Kartel go to jail, has he been released from prison, and is he free now? Here are your answers.

Why did Vybz Kartel go to jail?

Vybz Kartel went to jail in 2011 after being arrested by Jamaican’s Major Investigation Taskforce for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.

Williams’ body was never recovered by authorities. Kartel was convicted alongside Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John.

As per Rolling Stone , despite his imprisonment, Vybz Kartel continued to release music. He had not recorded any new music due to lack of recording material, but was instead releasing unreleased music that was recorded before his arrest.

While in prison, Vybz Kartel’s health took a turn for the worse and rapidly declined, owing to his terrible prison conditions, described as “inhumane” by human rights attorney Isat Buchanan. He suffered from thyroid issues, heart complications, and was reportedly diagnosed with the life-threatening Graves’ disease, battling the illness while in prison. His health condition eventually deteriorated to the point where his neck and face were swollen and his eyes started protruding, necessitating constant use of spectacles. His condition eventually got so bad that his private physician Dr. Karen Philips requested he get immediate surgery. (via Fox 5 )

Has Vybz Kartel been released from jail?

Yes, Vybz Kartel has been released from jail.

As reported by Fox 5 , the Jamaica Court of Appeal made a unanimous decision on Wednesday. The decision stated that there would not be a retrial for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. The court concluded that the interest of justice did not neccesitate a retrial for Kartel and his co-defendants Campbell, Jones, and St. John.

The court also stated that Vybz Kartel could not potentially serve a longer sentence were he given a retrial and cited the “psychological and financial effects” that would happen if he was retried in court.

Kartel’s murder conviction was previously overturned following a successful appeal heard by the Privy Council of London in March 2024. (via BBC )

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