Jamaican Dancehall artist Ninjaman, his son and another man receive life sentences for 2009 murder.
Veteran Jamaican Dancehall deejay Ninjaman was sentenced to life in prison on Monday for the 2009 murder of Ricardo Johnson, plus 20 years for shooting with intent.
Ninja Man, whose real name is Desmond Ballentine, must serve 25 years before he will be eligible for parole. His son, Janiel Ballentine and co-accused Dennis Clayton were slapped with life in prison for the murder. They will be eligible for parole in 15 years. The life sentences follow a unanimous guilty verdict from the seven member jury on November 20.
The three were to be sentenced on Friday Dec 15; however ,their sentencing was postponed because the attorney representing one of the convicted men was late for court.
When the sentenced was handed out, Ninjaman, gave the thumbs up. His attorney, Queen’s Counsel Valerie Neita-Robertson had earlier indicated the artist would be appealing the verdict.
The seven-member jury deliberated for more than three hours in the Home Circuit Court before returning the guilty verdict against the singer, his son, Janiel, and Dennis Clayton. The three were accused of the murder of Ricardo Johnson, also known as “Trooper”, in March 2009.
