IT appears the Appellate Court is shaping up to deliver judgement in the Vybz Kartel murder appeal.

The word came in response to a letter written by Vybz Kartel’s lead attorney, Queen’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson, to the Court of Appeal President Justice Dennis Morrison on November 21, enquiring about the year-and-a-half delay in the ruling being handed down.

The Appeal Court judges via the Court Registrar in a letter dated December 2, said the judgement is in an advance stage of preparation.

Attorneys representing the co-appellants were also copied on the letter.

“I am directed to advise that the judgement herein is at an advanced stage of preparation. As soon as it is ready and the court has set a delivery date, all the parties will be duly notified,” the letter stated.

Vybz Kartel (given name Adidja Palmer), Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John were convicted in April 2014 of murdering Clive “Lizard” Williams in 2011.

Kartel and his co-convicts denied the allegations but were convicted by a jury panel during the 17-week trial.

Vybz Kartel, Jones, St John, and Campbell received life sentences. The entertainer will be eligible for parole after serving 35 years. He is currently at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility (formerly General Penitentiary) in Kingston.

St John will do 30 years before being considered for parole. Jones and Campbell are to serve 25 years before they will be considered eligible for parole.

Despite being incarcerated, Vbyz Kartel’s music still remains popular.