KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court ruling has imposed a strict 6:00 pm Friday deadline on local law enforcement, requiring officers to either formally charge prominent dancehall producer Jahvel “Jahvy Ambassador” Morrison or release him from custody in connection with a post-carnival shooting that left three people injured. The binding order followed a successful habeas corpus application filed by Morrison’s lead legal counsel, King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie, who was retained to represent the producer immediately after the incident.
The shooting unfolded Sunday evening at the Big Wall after-party hosted at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew, a popular venue that hosted a slate of carnival-related events over the weekend. Three people were struck by gunfire during the attack, including well-known Jamaican podcaster Jhaedee “Jaii Frais” Richards, a visitor from the United States, and a member of dancehall recording artist 450’s touring entourage. The entourage member suffered critical life-threatening wounds in the attack, though medical teams confirmed he has survived his injuries and remains in care.
Morrison was taken into police custody as a person of interest for questioning in connection with the shooting. Richards, who was wounded in the incident, was also taken into custody in relation to the case. Parallel to Morrison’s legal challenge, Richards’ attorney Isat Buchanan also secured an identical habeas corpus ruling, meaning law enforcement also face the same 6:00 pm Friday deadline to either charge Richards or release him from the case. Currently, Richards remains hospitalized in the parish to receive ongoing treatment for injuries sustained during the shooting.