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Telecom drops Vybz Kartel after murder charge

A Caribbean telecom on Tuesday dropped a mobile digital television show featuring one of Jamaica's most popular deejays after police charged him with murder.
/ Source: The Associated Press

A Caribbean telecom on Tuesday dropped a mobile digital television show featuring one of Jamaica's most popular deejays after police charged him with murder.

Telecom company LIME, owned by London-based Cable & Wireless Communications, announced in a brief Tuesday statement that it has discontinued "Teacha's Pet," a program starring Vybz Kartel and a house full of scantily-clad women competing for his attention.

Late Monday, Kartel was charged with murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Police accuse the rapper of conspiring with others to kill a 27-year-old promoter who was slain on a Jamaican street corner earlier this year.

Police had initially said Kartel was expected in court on Tuesday. But defense attorney Christian Tavares-Finson said his client was not listed on the day's docket. It was not immediately clear when Kartel will actually make his first court appearance.

The 35-year-old Kartel was initially arrested Friday for marijuana possession. Police have since scoured several residences linked to the rapper.

Assistant Police Commissioner Ealan Powell told local radio that detectives are investigating other allegations against Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer.

"We are continuing investigations around Mr. Palmer but hopefully in the future we will be able to speak more definitively about these investigations," Powell said Tuesday.

Known for sexually explicit and violent lyrics, Kartel has previously been arrested for various offenses on the island, but the charges were later dropped.