Fans took to the streets in downtown Kingston today to rejoice at the Court of Appeal’s ruling which determined that Vybz Kartel and his three co-appellants were freed of murder.

Shanice Gibbs who covered today’s court proceeding and subsequent events filed this report.

That’s the chant that erupted from Kings Street in Downtown Kingston as many Jamaicans received word that Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer, Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St. John were acquitted of their murder charges.

It is a stark contrast to the anticipated silence which permeated the same streets, less than an hour before.

Some Jamaicans, though obviously eager for the verdict, admitted that all they could do was wait.

But, that watchful attitude quickly transitioned into complete pandemonium when news of the men’s acquittal came.

What was once empty streets, quickly filled with gyrating Jamaicans as they played songs created by the entertainer, Kartel.

The blocked roadway resulted in a pile-up of traffic as persons expressed their excitement, following the Appellate Court’s ruling.

This excitement was not shared by all persons, however, as some believe that a retrial should have been ordered.

The chaos on Kings Street was quickly controlled as the security forces, who were already on the scene, brought peace and order.