Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel will remain behind bars. He was made aware that his appeal was denied by the Jamaican Appeal Court down via a conference call between the panel of three judges, prosecutors and the attorneys for the four men.

The decision was handed down after nearly 20 months and the Court of Appeal agreed with the murder conviction and life sentence of the of the popular entertainer. The appeals of the other co-accused, Shawn Storm and two other men, Kahira Jones and Andre St John were also denied.

President of the Court of Appeal Dennis Morrison, Frank Williams and Patrick Brooks heard the appeal. Kartel’s lawyers will next appeal for his sentence to be reduced and are also expected to go to the Privy Council to have his charges dismissed.