When, on November 21, 2017, dancehall deejay Desmond “Ninja Man” Ballentyne was found guilty of murder and shooting with intent, Jamaicans’ response was somewhat similar to that of the man himself: “Ah suh it guh, man.” (Translated from Patois: “That's the way things go, man.”) The self-styled “Don Gorgon” — a name generally given to “community leaders” with the greatest firepower and influence, both literally and figuratively — seemed nonplussed. (The term applies to any community in which a person has standing, but is often used in the dancehall context.) Leaving court with his son and accomplice Denis Clayton, who were also found guilty of the 2009 murder of Ricardo Johnson (“Ricky Trooper”) in Kingston's Olympic Gardens, he reportedly added: “Don't worry yourself, Jamaica, I'll be back,” says Ninja Man as he boards police vehicle to be taken from court to prison – @rmakyn photo pic.twitter.com/Q2xVV6dmAj — Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) November 21, 2017 While much of the dancehall fraternity — at home and overseas — reacted with shock to the news, many Jamaicans, wearied by the relentlessly high murder rate on the island, seem to be hoping that the controversial artiste will not be back any time soon, suggesting that he had got what he deserved: If u do the crime, then u must do the time.#NinjaMan — lennon bowers (@LennonBowers) November 21, 2017 Fellow deejay Mr. Vegas observed that while Ballentyne is “one of the greatest on a musical level”, the kind of content he put out might have come back to haunt him. The artist was known for his controversial pro-gun lyrics. Still, he had his supporters. Dancehall diva D'Angel posted on her Facebook page: I Just visited with Ninja Man and I'm happy to share with his fans that he's doing great and holding on to faith? he's in high spirit as well? God is truly in control and he says he leaves everything in God hands… My prayers are with you my friend #stronger #Godadealwideverything Ballentyne's case was hard fought, and not without drama. After seemingly endless delays (17 trial dates set and 23 mention dates in court) the judge denied yet another application for a postponement and ordered the trial to begin immediately. However, mid-way through a witness’ testimony, Ballentyne complained suddenly of chest pains and was taken to hospital. The trial continued in his absence. It appeared that he had suffered a mild heart attack. The news caused panic, and rumours of his death circulated rapidly on social media, especially among dancehall fans in the diaspora: #NinjaMan is not dead, despite rumors. His murder trial verdict is expected this week! Full story: https://t.co/yl1l7VoOlg#Dancehall #Jamaica #HypeLifeMagazine pic.twitter.com/T9Gn9MDVs7 — Hype Life Magazine (@HYPELIFEmedia) November 16, 2017 Then his fate was put to a seven-person jury. Radio journalist Abka Fitz-Henley tweeted: UPDATE: the future of one dancehall music's finest lyrical sons, Desmond Ballentine o/c #NinjaMan, has been languishing in the hands of a 7 member jury for approximately 2 1/2 hours. He's accused of murder. — Abka Fitz-Henley (@AbkaFitzHenley) November 20, 2017 The wait was soon over, however. The jury returned the guilty verdict after approximately three and a half hours. Ballentine does not enjoy the enormous popularity of another famous convicted murderer deejay, Vybz Kartel, who at 41 is 10 years younger and remains popular even though he is now behind bars. However, like Kartel, Ballentine was known for his “bad man” image. With his sharp, violent lyrics delivered in a stuttering tone, he rose to fame during the height of dancehall's popularity in the 1980s. In particular, he was known for his flamboyant costumes and fierce musical “clashes” with other artists at the once annual Sting music festival (it took place each Boxing Day for about 30 years, but the event has now been discontinued), where he physically clashed with Vybz Kartel in 2003. Jamaicans, however, will find humor in the darkest situations. One tweet suggested that Vybz Kartel had “filed for” Ballentine from prison (as in someone filing for an immigrant visa for a family member from the U.S.): Father forgive me but this is funny as hell!! #NinjaMan pic.twitter.com/QdoLeielSZ — princess bijous (@princess_bijous) November 21, 2017 Ballentine is a strange, quirky, and at times enigmatic character, and his curious and eventful career, including several brushes with the law, has taken many twists and turns. This included a brief sojourn as a Christian, after a highly publicised baptism, around the time of the murder. One Jamaican, recollecting this phase, commented: The way of the transgressor is hard Ninja. You shouldah did stay inna church.