In a significant legal development, state attorneys are pushing for a 13-year prison sentence for Tory Lanez following the shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion.
LA prosecutors want Tory Lanez to serve 13 years for shooting Megan Thee Stallion
As reported by legal journo Meghan Cunniff, the prosecution argues that Lanez engaged in a deliberate “campaign of misinformation” aimed at humiliating and re-traumatising the victim.
Highlighting the power of words, the state attorneys presented a memorandum stating that Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, used both his gun and his online platform to inflict harm.
They contend that Lanez’s three-year history of online posts has compounded the victim’s trauma and emboldened his followers to participate in re-traumatisation. The global reach of his online presence and its impact on the victim’s well-being was emphasised.
When is Tory Lanez sentencing?
The memorandum serves as a recommendation to Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Herriford, who is tasked with deciding Lanez’s sentence on Tuesday, 13 June 2023.
It outlines Lanez’s violations of court orders before the trial, including his breach of a protective order at the Rolling Loud Festival and his online posting of a DNA evidence report accompanied by derogatory comments about Megan.
Additionally, his unprovoked attack on singer August Alsina and subsequent false claims against prosecutors are presented as evidence of his behaviour.
Prosecutors also highlight Lanez’s album featuring songs related to the shooting, alleging that he profited from his crimes. They argue that his jail call to Megan’s former friend, Kelsey Harris, shortly after the incident is tantamount to a confession.
Refuting the defence’s claim that the call and apology text was related to an alleged infidelity, the prosecution asserts that Lanez admitted guilt for the shooting and demonstrated a lack of remorse, which should be considered an aggravating factor.
The incident occurred in July 2020, when Lanez allegedly shot Megan Thee Stallion after leaving a gathering at Kylie Jenner‘s residence.
The victim testified that Lanez fired multiple rounds in her direction, resulting in her sustaining injuries. The memorandum describes how Lanez approached the victim, apologised for his actions, and urged her not to speak about the incident.
It also details Lanez’s assault on Harris when she confronted him about shooting the victim.
Initially, Megan did not disclose that she had been shot, claiming she had stepped on glass.
However, four days later, she informed investigators that Lanez was responsible for her injuries, leading to Lanez being charged with assault.
The evidence against him includes a text message from Harris to Megan’s security stating that “Tory shot Meg.”
Prosecutors argue that Lanez’s use of a gun and the significant harm he caused Megan qualify as aggravating factors that should preclude probation.
Lanez’s lack of remorse is highlighted throughout the memorandum, with the prosecution contending that his conduct after the shooting demonstrates an inability to accept responsibility for his actions.
They argue that Lanez has waged a campaign of misinformation, seeking to humiliate and re-traumatise the victim while disregarding court orders and the impact of his actions on public safety.
Lanez’s lawyers target crucial delay with Judge Herriford disqualification
While prosecutors are recommending a 13-year sentence, Lanez’s defence lawyers have petitioned the state appellate court to disqualify Judge Herriford, accusing him of bias in handling the case.
The defence attorneys, who joined the case after the conviction, have requested a continuance for the sentencing hearing to allow for further preparation.
Lanez, who has been in jail since his conviction on charges of first-degree assault and firearm-related offences, will await Judge Herriford’s sentencing decision.
The court will consider possible aggravating factors before determining Lanez’s sentence, taking into account the gravity of the crimes committed and the harm caused to the victim.