Daystar Peterson, known professionally as, Tory Lanez has been sentenced to ten years in prison for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion (born Megan Pete). Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Herriford delivered the sentence on Tuesday afternoon. He faced a maximum sentence of 13 years along with possible deportation.
The Canadian-born artist was initially charged in the case in October 2020 and went to trial in December 2022. Lanez was found guilty of shooting Pete at that time. The situation brewed divisive takes across social media and has been a popular topic of conversation for the past three years.
Tory and his team legal petitioned for a new trial which was ultimately denied in May of this year. He was found guilty on three counts: assault with a semiautomatic handgun, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
During the initial part of his sentencing on August 7, 2022, a victim impact statement from Megan Thee Stallion was read by Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ta, according to USA Today. The statement included her request for Peterson’s stiff punishment.
“Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace…Slowly but surely, I’m healing and coming back, but I will never be the same.” She was unable to appear in court during the sentencing due to the traumatic nature of the case.
Not without support on his end, Tory Lanez’s father, son, rapper Iggy Azalea and others testified to his character and on his behalf with written letters and in-person speeches during the sentencing.
Investigative journalist Meghann Cuniff— who gained notoriety for her in-depth reporting of the trial last year— shared tidbits from what was obtained during the sentencing today on Twitter.
Judge Herriford asked prosecutors if they’re saying “imposing 10 years instead of 13 years would endanger public safety.”
Deputy D.A. Kathy Ta said the 13-year sentence is appropriate. She cited the fact that Lanez wouldn’t do full time under state law, only about 85 percent.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 8, 2023
About the shooting: “I said some very immature things that I shouldn’t have said. I revealed some secrets I shouldn’t have revealed,” Lanez said.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 8, 2023
Judge Herriford said of the matter, “Sometimes good people do bad things. Actions have consequences, and there are no winners in this case.”
