MTO News has confirmed that Jamaican Dancehall artist Quada, real name Shacquelle Clarke, has been arrested and charged with murder. The Jamaica Constabulary Force confirmed to MTO News that the dancehall star turned himself in at the Constant Spring Police Station in Kingston on Tuesday.
This is the latest black eye for Jamaica’s dancehall community – which now has three of its biggest stars in prison for violent crimes. And a forth awaiting a murder trial.
Dancehall artists Vybz Kartel and Shawn Storm were both convicted of murder in 2014 and sentenced to life in prison. Both are appealing their convictions and hope to have them overturned by an appeal court.
Another dancehall artist, Munga Honorebel, is currently free on bail but is facing trial on murder charges later this year.
And now Quada – who is one of the hottest young artists – is facing jail also.
Police say that Quada, who is 23, murdered Miguel Williams, 30, on April 17, 2019. According to online reports, a group of men forced their way into Miguel’s house, beat him, placed tires around his body and lit him up inside the building. He was burnt beyond recognition.
Miguel’s murder is believed to be in relation to the murder of eight-year-old Shantae Skyer. Many suspected that he was a pedophile responsible for the rape and murder of Shantae – who went missing in April 2019; days after her body was found.
The deejay is the second person to be charged in connection with Miguel Williams’ killing. In December 2019, 30-year-old Andrew Breakcliffe, otherwise called Grinch, was also charged with murder and arson.