The long lingering murder trial of dancehall legend, Ninja Man has been pushed back to next month, according to reports and will now be heard by a newly-introduced special court crafted to deal with cases on the court list for over five years.
The deejay, whose real name is Desmond Ballentine was jointly charged with his son, Janiel Ballentine and another man, Dennis Clayton in March 2009 for the shooting death of Richard Johnson following an argument at his house. A fourth man charged in the incident, Seymour Samuels has since died.
The case, originally scheduled today at the Home Circuit Court, was postponed after witnesses failed to show up to court. It was then that presiding justice, Gloria Smith transferred the case to the special court and will be up for mention on February 24.
Ninja Man has been out on bail since March 2012 and resurrected his career during a three-year stint with Downsound Records.
Prior to his murder trial, Ninja Man will be celebrating his 50th birthday on January 24 with a two-day event in St. Ann.
