Let’s look into the major facts and developments in Adidja Vybz Kartel Palmer’s trial and his four co-accused in the last week.
All the accused men were back in the Home Circuit court Monday for the longest murder trial in Jamaican history.
Shortly after court session resumed, Vybz Kartel’s lead attorney Tom Tavares-Finson complained about a press release sent to the media from the Corporate Communications Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, JCF, last weekend.
Tavares-Finson says two news article circulated over the weekend quoted the police press release. The release made mention of someone trying to firebomb the house in Havendale where the alleged murder took place.
The lawyer says these statements are an other attempt by the Jamaican police force to prejudice the case. Justice Lennox Campbell then issued an order requesting head of the communication unit, Deputy Superintendent of Police Steve Brown, to report to court to address the complains.
This is the second time defense attorneys are accusing the police force of prejudicing the case through press releases.
KAYLA G REMIX “YOU NEED LOYALTY” CHRIS BROWN FEAT VYBZ KARTEL GAZA SLIM
In the past days, the police star witness, Lamar Chow took the stand again and after prosecutor Jeremy Taylor showed the witness some photographs, he positively identified them to be Vybz Kartel.
The witness also positively identified co-accused, Andre St John, Kahira Jones, who he says he know as Mad Suss and also Shane Williams who he says he know as Terrence.
The prosecution also played several voice notes in which the witness identified Vybz Kartel.
The star witness also testified about the attack on August 16, 2011 at Vybz Kartel’s house in Havendale. He told the court that he saw Clive “Lizard” Williams’ laying motionless before making his escape. Police officers escorted the star witness to court this morning with his face covered. He was later escorted from the Supreme Court building to an unknown hotel in Kingston.
Three defense attorneys made no case submissions on Monday, while the other two made their submissions in the Home Circuit Court on Tuesday. On Monday the prosecution wrapped up its arguments in the presence of the jury.
Following this, three defense lawyers representing three of the five accused men, made their no case submissions.
The no case submissions are being heard in camera or in the absence of the jury. It is expected that at the end of submissions from the two remaining defense attorneys today ( Tuesday ), the prosecution will respond to the arguments posed. The judge will then make his decision as to whether the five accused men have a case to answer.
