Rapper Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the shooting of fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion, according to reports. The incident occurred in July 2020, and Lanez was convicted in December of that year on three felony charges, including negligently shooting Stallion in the foot. He has been in jail since then and is expected to serve 85 percent of his sentence.
Prosecutors had initially demanded that Lanez be sentenced to 13 years in prison and be deported to his native Canada. However, his defense attorney called for probation and a substance abuse program to address Lanez’s alcoholism, which they believe contributed to his violent actions. The defense team plans to appeal the conviction.
The trial between Lanez and Stallion has been going on for over three years, and on Tuesday, it finally came to an end with Lanez being officially sentenced to 10 years in prison. Judge David Herriford asked the prosecution if this sentence was appropriate, and while they initially sought 13 years, the Deputy DA stated that if Lanez showed good behavior, he may not serve the full sentence. Instead, he would likely be released after serving 85 percent of it.
Tory Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson, is a 31-year-old Canadian rapper. The shooting incident took place after a dispute between Lanez and Stallion at a Hollywood Hills pool party. They left together in Lanez’s car, and according to the charges, he shot Stallion in the foot before dropping her off at home.
Stallion did not initially file a complaint against Lanez, but in August 2020, she accused him of shooting her on her Instagram Live. She underwent surgery and physical therapy as a result of her injuries. Lanez denied the charges and released an album asserting his innocence and claiming he was being framed.
The Los Angeles police investigated the incident, and in October 2020, Lanez was charged with three felony counts, including assault and the possession and discharge of a firearm. He was found guilty during a jury trial in December 2022 and has been in prison since then.
During the sentencing hearing, Lanez’s attorney presented several witnesses, including Lanez’s father, who spoke about the rapper’s troubled childhood and the impact it had on his actions. Other witnesses mentioned Lanez’s charitable giving and his role as a single parent.
On Tuesday, before his sentence was announced, Lanez took the stand and acknowledged his care for Megan Thee Stallion, describing her as a friend. He also mentioned how they bonded over the loss of their mothers and how they both used alcohol as a coping mechanism.
The news of Lanez’s 10-year sentence has sparked mixed reactions online. While some celebrated the verdict, others expressed support for Lanez and criticized the justice system.
Lanez’s attorney expressed disappointment with the sentence and plans to appeal to shorten it. He emphasized that shorter sentences have been given in cases involving death.
In closing, the judge based the verdict on two of the three charges, considering Stallion’s vulnerability as a victim and the use of a firearm. The third charge, involving great bodily harm, was not admissible.
This sentencing brings an end to the long legal battle between Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion, but the impact of the incident will continue to be felt by both artists and their fans.
