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Kartel's attorneys play down killing tapes

Published:Friday | November 4, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel - File

Livern Barrett, Gleaner Writer

Lawyers for popular Jamaican entertainer Vybz Kartel last night downplayed surprising new claims by police investigators that they have audio and video recordings implicating him in one of the two murders for which he has been charged.

The dramatic revelation was made when the entertainer, whose given name is Adidja Palmer; his protégé, dancehall star Shawn Storm - given name Shawn Campbell; and his fashion designer and booking agent, Calvin Haye, appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday in the Clive Williams murder case.

One of Palmer's attorneys, Christian Tavares-Finson, told The Gleaner that the recordings have not yet been turned over to the defence, but said it was his understanding that the recordings did not implicate Palmer

Tavares-Finson said when the evidence is turned over to the defence, they will return to court to seek bail for all three men.

Campbell has been ordered to give his fingerprints to the police. The case will again be mentioned on December 2.

The three men are jointly charged, along with Kiro Jones, for Williams' murder in Havendale, St Andrew, on August 16.

Police investigators believe Williams was beaten and stabbed to death over an illegal firearm, but his body has not been found.

Palmer has also been charged with murder arising from the death of businessman/promoter Barrington Burton in Gregory Park, St Catherine, in July.

The entertainer has been in custody since October 1 when he and three persons were arrested at a New Kingston hotel for possession of ganja.

livern.barrett@gleanerjm.com