Dancehall Star Vybz Kartel Guilty of Murder
Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel has been found guilty of murder.
The popular musician and three other co-defendants were convicted of killing of Clive Lizard Williams in August 2011 by the Supreme court.
During the high-profile trial, the jury heard that Williams was beaten to death at the entertainer's Kingston home in a row over two missing illegal guns.
Although a body was never found, investigators said that they unearthed a message sent from Kartel's phone which revealed his involvement in the crime.
The star, whose real names is Adidja Palmer, was said to have boasted that Williams was 'chopped up like mincemeat' and his remains would never be discovered.
Kartel was arrested in October 2011 in connection with the crime and had spent three years behind bars awaiting trial.
Ahead of the verdict, security was beefed up on the Caribbean island with parts of Kingston cordoned off to prevent any disruption from fans of the performer.
During the 65-day trial, the longest-running in the history of Jamaica's judicial stystem, Kartel's lawyer Tom Tavares-Finson had argued that the case against his client was 'dishonest' and 'incompetent'.
He now plans to launch an appeal on behalf of the Romping Shop singer and the other convicted men.
Kartel, who is one of the biggest names in dancehall reggae, has worked with big names including Jay-Z, Rihanna and Eminem.
The 38-year-old musician will return to court on 27 March for sentencing.
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