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Vybz Kartel Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder

Vybz Kartel murder life prison sentence

Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life in prison following his March conviction for the murder of an associate, the BBC reports. He will not be eligible for parole for 35 years.

The Jamaican dancehall singer born Adidja Palmer was found guilty along with three associates in the 2011 killing of Clive “Lizard” Williams, who allegedly came to Kartel’s home to discuss the disappearance of a pair of illegal firearms. A key piece of evidence in the trial was a text message from Kartel, who said that Williams’ body had been chopped to “mincemeat.” The corpse has never been found.

This is the second murder charge, and first conviction, for the 38-year-old Kartel. In July 2013, he was found not guilty in the 2011 murder of Barrington “Bossie” Burton, a promoter and businessman who was shot while standing with friends in a Kingston park.

Kartel has enjoyed the status of one of the most popular artists in Jamaica, with a TV show, a rum brand, and a line of condoms representing his non-music, non-criminal enterprises. He appearead on Major Lazer’s Beyoncé-sampled “Pon de Floor,” and has collaborated with Jay Z, Rihanna, Missy Elliott,  Lil Wayne, and Eminem, among others.