Tory Lanez Receives 10-Year Prison Sentence for Shooting Megan Thee Stallion

The Come Up Show, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The uncertainty enveloping rapper Tory Lanez's destiny in connection to the shooting incident involving hip-hop luminary Megan Thee Stallion has at last been dissolved today, as Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Herriford unveiled the verdict. Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion.

Just in: Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion.

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 8, 2023

Presiding over the extensive two-day hearing, Judge Herriford declared prior to pronouncing the sentence that he was disinclined to view Lanez as a menace to public safety—a pivotal juncture in the case. The judge's pronouncement brings to a close the high-profile trial that has engrossed both the music industry and legal analysts.

Throughout the hearing, Herriford maintained a neutral stance, impartially bestowing tactical advantages to both the defense and the prosecution. This approach has veiled the ultimate verdict in secrecy until its unveiling.

Herriford's concurrence with the prosecution's stance of excluding mental illness as a sentencing factor further elucidated the underpinnings of his judgment.

Lanez's legal team laid forth arguments centered on his history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from his mother's untimely death when he was 11 years old, along with other childhood adversities. These struggles led to alcohol abuse in adulthood. Defense attorney Jose Baez vehemently advocated for Lanez's PTSD and battle with alcoholism to factor into the sentencing deliberations.

Judge Herriford's observations underscored his meticulous evaluation of the evidence presented. Despite acknowledging the role of alcohol in the shooting incident, he concluded that the defense had not met the requisites for categorizing Lanez's condition as clinical PTSD or alcohol abuse disorder. Consequently, these aspects did not meet the legal threshold for inclusion in the sentence.

Prosecutors championed a 13-year sentence for Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, following his conviction on multiple charges, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

In contrast, Lanez's defense team advocated for probation and his release from incarceration to partake in a residential substance abuse program. Their intent to challenge the conviction was also affirmed.

Lanez, a notable figure in the music realm, has been a constant presence throughout the hearing, attired in distinct orange jail garb and a black skull cap, seated alongside his legal representatives.

Megan Thee Stallion's impact reverberated even in her absence. Her statement, conveyed audibly by Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ta during the proceedings, candidly portrayed the profound trauma she has endured since the incident. "Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace," Megan conveyed, asserting that Lanez's actions necessitate full accountability within the framework of the law.

In a poignant twist, Judge Herriford permitted seven pro-Lanez witnesses, including his father and the mother of his 6-year-old son, to testify. Their accounts illuminated Lanez's philanthropy, resilience in the face of childhood trauma and commitment to nurturing parenthood.

Megan's trial testimony cast a lengthy shadow across the proceedings, detailing the distressing moment when Lanez fired at her feet and exhorted her to dance, as they departed a summer 2020 gathering at Kylie Jenner's Hollywood Hills residence.

Beloved 'Cha Cha Slide' Creator, DJ Casper, Passes Away at 58 After Cancer Battle

Photo Credit DJ Casper/Instagram

DJ Casper, the visionary behind the beloved dance anthem "Cha Cha Slide," has passed away at the age of 58, marking the end of a seven-year battle with cancer.

The news of Casper's demise was conveyed by his wife, Kim, through a statement shared with ABC 7 Chicago. In her heartfelt tribute, Kim described him as a "fun-loving, giving person" and expressed the deep loss felt by all who knew him.

"He was a genuine, family-oriented man," Kim shared, underscoring his strong affinity for the city of Chicago. "He loved Chicago with all his heart. He will be greatly missed."

Born Willie Perry Jr. in Englewood, Chicago, Casper acquired his moniker due to his penchant for wearing white attire during his performances. A pivotal moment in his career emerged in 1998 when he penned the first part of the iconic "Cha Cha Slide" for his nephew, who worked as a personal trainer at Bally Total Fitness.

The song's simple yet irresistible instructions, such as "Slide to the left" and "reverse," rapidly gained traction in exercise classes and school gymnasiums. This led Casper to release a follow-up version titled "Casper Slide Pt. 2" in 2000, further cementing his place in music history.

DJ Casper, the creator of the world-famous "Cha Cha Slide," has died after a battle with cancer. He was 58 years old.https://t.co/yWIbaYcq1S pic.twitter.com/aysad5DB06

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 8, 2023

Reflecting on the enduring success of his creation, Casper mused in a 2018 interview with Vanity Fair, "Well, actually, I'm not really surprised. The song got real hot around 2004. And, I mean, today, they've been playing it like it's brand-new. You can hear it in every stadium, every sporting event. They played it at the Olympics. You hear it everywhere, so I'm not really surprised. I'm just happy it's still going, but I'm not surprised."

Even in the face of adversity, Casper maintained a positive outlook. In 2016, he was diagnosed with both liver and kidney cancer. By 2018, the illness had gone into remission, a testament to his resilience. He dedicated his time to visiting hospitals, engaging with fellow cancer patients, and spreading positivity and encouragement, as revealed in a 2019 interview with the Chicago Sun-Times.

"I'm here. If God says he's got something else for me to do, he's going to let me continue to see what I'm doing," he said, encapsulating his enduring spirit.

In 2021, marking the 20th anniversary of the dance's creation, Casper orchestrated a global fundraising initiative known as the "Dime Drive." Participants would perform the signature "slide left/slide right/criss-cross" dance he pioneered and donate ten cents toward cancer research, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the cause.

Megan Thee Stallion Shooting Case: Lanez Sentencing Postponed to Tuesday

Tory Lanez

Hip-hop fans, eager for closure to the legal odyssey that commenced when Canadian rapper Tory Lanez shot Megan Thee Stallion in the foot after a night of revelry in 2020, found their hopes deferred as the sentencing, originally set for Monday, was rescheduled to Tuesday.

Lanez, known by his legal name Daystar Peterson, stood at the center of an emotional courtroom scene where his father, Sonstar Peterson, a Christian minister, struggled to hold back tears. He recounted the heart-wrenching tragedy of Lanez losing his mother when he was a mere 11 years old. This somber backdrop framed the proceedings for Lanez's sentencing, as he faced charges for shooting and injuring the hip-hop luminary.

Los Angeles prosecutors had initially sought a 13-year sentence for the 31-year-old Lanez. However, the day's events took an unforeseen turn, with the court adjourning without reaching a final verdict. Anticipation now hangs over the courtroom as the proceedings are set to resume tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. local time.

There remain a few unresolved matters to address, including final arguments, before Judge David Herriford pronounces Tory Lanez's fate.

Megan said she struggled with whether to attend in person, and her absence should be seen as her preserving her mental well being. She said since Tory shot her, "I've not experienced a single day of piece."

"He lied to anyone that would listen," Megan said of Lanez.

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 7, 2023

In the midst of the poignant atmosphere, Lanez's father, Sonstar Peterson, offered a glimpse into the artist's psyche, emphasizing that Lanez's mother's passing had left an indelible mark on their youngest child. "But his music became his outlet," he shared, encapsulating the healing power of Lanez's artistic expression.

Alright we are on the 90-minute break. Judge Herriford got 70+ letters of support for Tory Lanez, including one from @IggyAzalea. He briefly summarized each one. Two jailers wrote letters, one spoke in court. Lanez' father, Sonstar Peterson, was the last speaker before the break.

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 7, 2023

A chorus of voices, including the mother of Lanez's young son and rapper Iggy Azalea, came forward to vouch for Lanez's character and philanthropic endeavors. In a letter to Judge Herriford, Azalea's plea encouraged a sentence that transforms rather than destroys.

Additionally, it was revealed that Lanez's 6-year-old son had penned a heartfelt letter to the judge, its contents kept confidential. Testifying about Lanez's impact within the correctional facility, a chaplain from Los Angeles County jail attested to the positive influence of Lanez's daily prayer groups in easing tensions within the protective custody unit where he had been held since his conviction in December.

Prosecutors had disclosed the possibility of Megan Thee Stallion providing a statement in court or a statement being read on her behalf. The judge had previously deemed Megan Thee Stallion a particularly vulnerable victim during the shooting incident, though he found no evidence of Lanez's exceptional cruelty or callousness, which could influence the eventual sentence.

Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott highlighted the enduring physical and emotional scars Megan endured due to the incident, emphasizing the gravity of the crime.

In a notable twist, Megan Thee Stallion's voice was heard indirectly. Though absent from the courtroom, her statement was conveyed by DA Kathy Ta. Megan revealed the internal struggle she faced over attending in person, asserting that her absence should be interpreted as a measure to safeguard her mental well-being. Candidly, she expressed the ongoing turmoil she grapples with since the shooting, revealing, "I've not experienced a single day of peace" since Tory's actions. Furthermore, she accused Lanez of misleading others, stating, "He lied to anyone that would listen."