Vybz Kartel’s Escape Rumors Possibly Attempt to Keep Him in the News: Police

Updated on Nov. 30 at 1:18 p.m. ET: Vybz Kartel Escape: Deejay Actually in Court Facing Murder Charge

Jamaican police have dispelled rumors that popular deejay Vybz Kartel escaped from prison on Wednesday after holding guards at gunpoint and have said it may be an attempt to keep the entertainer in the news.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green has told the Jamaica Observer that he isn't aware of a jail break at Jamaican facilities and that if such a thing had happened, he would know about it.

I know nothing about that. If that had taken place I would certainly have known, Green told the paper.

Kartel is being held at the New Horizon Adult Remand Centre in Kingston. The closest police station to that correctional facility is the Denham Town Police station.

But officers stationed at that remand center have also told the local media that they have no knowledge of Kartel's escape and the reported prison break.

Moreover, the Constabulary Communication Network, the communication arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, has told the Jamaica Observer that its officers have no knowledge of the alleged prison break.

It may be an attempt by his cronies to keep him in the news but they don't need to spread rumors to do that because he will be in the news for quite some time, an officer told the Jamaica Observer.

Vybz Kartel's government name is Adijah Palmer. The 35-year-old entertainer is facing a number of charges that include two murder charges, conspiracy to murder, illegal possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana.

Kartel has been in prison since his Oct. 1 arrest and has not been offered bail.

Jamaican authorities said Kartel is a suspect in the murders of promoter Barrington Bossie Burton, who was killed on July 12, and Clive Lizard Williams, who was slain on Aug. 16.

News of Kartel's alleged escape went viral on social networking sites on Wednesday and has garnered international coverage.