In a verdict that has captured the attention of the hip-hop community and the public at large, Tory Lanez, received a 10-year sentence in Los Angeles Superior Court for his role in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
The Incident
On July 12, 2020, after an altercation at Kylie Jenner’s house party, an argument between Lanez and Megan, escalated in their car. The ending of their dispute saw Lanez shoot Megan in her feet, grotesquely demanding she dance. This not only required surgical intervention for Megan but left emotional scars. “I have not experienced a single day of peace,” Megan recounted in a letter shared with the court.
The Trial
Spanning two unexpectedly long days, the sentencing procedure was characterized by Judge David Herriford’s thorough examination of the details. Despite the gravity of his actions, Lanez expressed profound regret during the trial. He reminisced about their shared grief over the loss of their mothers, stating, “We would drink till we felt numb.”
Megan Thee Stallion mentions the trauma that the incident with Lanez caused
Charges & Defense
Convicted of three felonies – assault with a semi-automatic weapon, recklessly discharging a firearm, and possession of an unregistered loaded firearm – Lanez consistently claimed innocence. While the prosecution sought a lengthier 13-year sentence, his defense lobbied for probation and rehabilitation.
Repercussions
Beyond the physical injuries, Megan emphasized Lanez’s role in intensifying her trauma, citing online campaigns against her and efforts to ruin her reputation. However, witness pled for leniency, led by Lanez’s father, Sonstar Peterson, and others. They highlighted his personal challenges, especially the profound grief from his mother’s premature passing.
Lanez father was pleading leniency in court on his son’s behalf
In a testament to Lanez’s character, 76 letters were presented to the judge. These included endorsements from Iggy Azalea, law enforcement officials, and political figures, drawing attention to his charitable activities.
The case ignited debate within the hip-hop circle and online platforms, dividing opinions. Though sentencing was initially slated for January, legal shifts and a denied request for a retrial postponed the verdict until now.
