KINGSTON, Jamaica – Tom Tavares-Finson, former lead lawyer for Vybz Kartel in the entertainer’s high-profile murder case, has expressed his support for the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit Kartel and his co-accused. The ruling, issued on July 31, 2024, resulted in the release of Kartel (real name Adidja Palmer), Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, and Andre St. John after serving 13 years in prison.
The Court of Appeal denied a retrial for the trio, following the Privy Council’s earlier decision to overturn their convictions due to jury misconduct.
In a statement, Tavares-Finson, who now serves as legal adviser for the Kings legal team, welcomed the verdict. Speaking as the former lead trial counsel, he emphasized that the decision reflects the justice system’s acknowledgment of the defense’s challenges during the trial.
Tavares-Finson praised the impartiality of the Privy Council, noting its critical role in the appeals process. “The Privy Council’s decision to set aside the convictions reaffirms its importance as our final court of appeal, especially in high-profile matters,” he said.
He also acknowledged the efforts of his legal team, which includes his son Christian Tavares-Finson, Pierre Rogers, Tamika Harris, Michael Lawn, and Everton Dewar. “Our collective work has been validated by this outcome, which is a testament to the robustness of our legal system,” he added.
Kartel, Campbell, and St. John were released from Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston on Wednesday evening. In a separate case, Kahila Jones had been sentenced in 2019 to 18 years for assault, and additional sentences for firearm and ammunition charges.
The ruling marks a significant turn in the high-profile case, reflecting both the complexities of the judicial process and the critical role of impartial legal review.
