News
Tory Lanez Sentenced To 10 Years In Shooting of Megan Thee Stallion
Tory Lanez has been sentenced to ten years in prison for his involvement in the 2020 shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion.
In a long-awaited conclusion to a legal saga that has captured headlines and attention, Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the 2020 shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The sentencing marks the end of a tumultuous journey through the judicial system, characterized by delays, legal maneuvers, and intense scrutiny.
Originally scheduled for January 27, Tory Lanez’s sentencing had been repeatedly postponed due to a series of legal developments. One pivotal moment came when Lanez switched legal representation, trading George Mgdesyan for David Kenner, a lawyer known for his previous work with prominent figures like Suge Knight and Snoop Dogg. This switch was driven by the desire to prepare for the possibility of an appeal, a path Mgdesyan was not inclined to undertake. “I don’t do appeals,” Mgdesyan stated, prompting Lanez to enlist someone who could handle this aspect of the case.
In a strategic move in June, Lanez’s legal team, including attorneys Matthew Barhoma and Jose Baez, sought the disqualification of Judge David Herriford. They claimed that Herriford exhibited bias in favor of the prosecution, undermining the fairness of the proceedings. However, the appellate court ultimately rejected this argument, denying Lanez’s request for extraordinary relief.
Lanez’s legal team then pursued an alternative strategy. In a bid for leniency, they proposed a sentence of probation along with enrollment in a substance abuse program. This proposal was rooted in the argument that Lanez was grappling with alcoholism at the time of the shooting, suggesting that his impaired judgment mitigated his culpability. In a detailed 41-page memo filed by attorneys Jose Baez and Ed Welbourn on August 1st, it was emphasized that Lanez’s actions were influenced by a history of psychological, physical, and childhood trauma.
They asserted, “Assuming the allegations are true, Mr. Peterson’s psychological, physical, and childhood trauma played a role in the commission of the offense. Similarly, the current offense is linked to Mr. Peterson’s childhood trauma and mental illness, specifically his alcohol-use disorder.”
Defense attorney Matthew Barhoma is still involved in the case. He just showed up to the courthouse and I got the tail end of the media mob. pic.twitter.com/ZzUfiA3SOa
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 7, 2023
Also: Judge Herriford said while the shooting obviously involved alcohol, there is no evidence of Lanez being an alcoholic, including in the 76 letters submitted for Lanez. The doctor reports are entirely based on Lanez's own statements.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 8, 2023
"What is he alleging he did as a result of alcohol-use disorder if he didn’t do anything?" Herriford asked. "What did the doctor conclude he did as a result of alcohol use? It's very unclear."
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 8, 2023
Baez said "yelling" and the "argument that went back and forth in the car."
The incident occurred on July 12, 2020, following a gathering at Kylie Jenner’s residence in Hollywood Hills. After leaving the event, Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion were involved in an altercation that resulted in Megan being shot in both feet. Lanez was accused of not only committing the assault but also verbally demeaning her by telling her to “dance b*tch.”
The trial that followed spanned nine days in a Los Angeles courtroom, culminating in the jury’s decision on December 23, 2022. The jury found Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, guilty on charges that included assault with a semiautomatic firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.
The prosecution had sought a sentence of 13 years for Lanez, highlighting the severity of the charges and the weight of the evidence presented during the trial.
Ahead of sentencing, Judge David Herriford received over 70 letters of support for Tory Lanez. Notably, acclaimed artist Iggy Azalea penned a letter to Judge Herriford, urging him to craft a sentence that was “transformational, not life-destroying.”
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
But Judge Herriford said no to finding the crime was done with a high-level of callousness. How this will affect the sentence is not yet known. We're going to get into that after lunch, after more speakers.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 7, 2023
Judge Herriford’s role in shaping the sentence was pivotal. He deliberated over the aggravating factors that could influence the severity of the punishment. While acknowledging the use of a firearm and Megan Thee Stallion’s vulnerable status, Judge Herriford refrained from attributing a high degree of callousness to the commission of the crime.
A notable facet in Judge Herriford’s sentencing decision was his consideration of Lanez’s actions after the shooting. The judge stated that he believed Lanez’s post-shooting behavior, including social media posts and alleged harassment of Megan, constituted a significant aggravating factor in the sentencing. Although Judge Herriford clarified that he would not assess Lanez’s remorse, he drew parallels between the post-shooting actions and similar considerations.
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."
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 7, 2023
"He lied to anyone that would listen," Megan said of Lanez.
As the final gavel echoed, Tory Lanez’s fate was sealed by Judge Herriford’s ruling, emphasizing the intricate balance between justice, accountability, and the profound influence of actions.
Tory spoke for several minutes. He said he still cares about Megan. He called her "someone I still care for dearly to this day" regardless of what she may think of him.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 8, 2023
He said "the victim's my friend." He talked about bonding with her over the loss of their mothers.
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
More from Megan Thee Stallion’s statement at Tory Lanez’s sentencing: “He not only shot me, he made a mockery of my trauma. He tried to position himself as a victim and set out to destroy my character and my soul.”
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 8, 2023
“He lied to anyone that would listen and paid bloggers to disseminate false information about the case on social media. He released music videos and songs to damage my character and continue his crusade.”
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 8, 2023
– Megan @TheeStallion’s written statement at Tory Lanez’s sentencing
“At first, he tried to deny the shooting ever happened. Then, he attempted to place the blame on my former best friend. In his tantrum of lies, he’s blamed the system, blamed the press and, as of late, he’s using his childhood trauma to shield himself and avoid culpability.”
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 8, 2023
Culture
Big Sean Announces Release Date For New Album ‘Better Me Than You’
Ahead of the release of his new single “Yes,” Detroit’s own Big Sean has announced the release date for his forthcoming studio album, Better Me Than You.
The album is set to drop on August 9th. To accompany the announcement, Big Sean released a trailer, which follows reports of the album leaking on social media. “It’s been a journey I can’t wait to share with you all,” he wrote to fans. This follows Sean’s appearance on Eminem‘s 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).
News
Remy Ma’s Son Charged with Murder
Remy Ma‘s son, Jayson Scott, has been charged with first-degree murder.
On Wednesday, FOX 5 NY’s Lisa Evers reported that Scott, along with another man, is facing charges related to the June 7, 2021, murder of 47-year-old Darius Guillebeaux in Queens. The arraignment for both individuals is scheduled for Wednesday, June 19, at the Queens County courthouse. In addition to the murder charge, Scott, 23, and his co-defendant are also facing two counts of weapons possession and reckless endangerment.
#BreakingNews Law enforcement and multiple police sources confirm to #fox5ny news that Jayson Scott of the Bronx, son of hip hop star Remy Ma & 22 yo Richard Swygert have each been arrested and charged with 1st degree murder, weapons possession and reckless endangerment in the…
— LISA EVERS (@LisaEvers) June 19, 2024
Culture
The New 1017 Rapper Enchanting Passes Away; Coi Leray, Gucci Mane and More Respond to Her Passing
After being placed on life support, 26-year-old rapper Enchanting has tragically passed away.
The Texas native signed with Gucci Mane’s The New 1017 label in 2020. She released her debut project, No Luv, in 2022, featuring the singles “Want Sum” and “Track & Field” with Kaliii. Her latest project, Luv Scarred / No Luv (Deluxe), was released in 2023.
A representative from her management team informed The Shade Room that Enchanting was struggling with withdrawals, saying, “She came to my house the last four days to get clean. She tried her best, and I did everything I could to help her. She tried.”
Coi Leray, Monaleo, and others confirmed her passing on social media.
“I’ll see you later, sister. Save me a spot, baby! I love you 4L and after,” Monaleo wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Gucci Mane and Keyshia Kaoir react to Enchanting’s passing. Keyshia also responds to people pointing out the fates of artists who sign to 1017. pic.twitter.com/oB7NijTgVd
— miixtapechiick.com (@MXCKdotCom) June 11, 2024
Friends and family confirm 1017 rapper Enchanting has sadly passed away, after being on life support. pic.twitter.com/pefMLTOw4W
— miixtapechiick.com (@MXCKdotCom) June 11, 2024
Coi Leray confirms Enchanting has passed away. She was 26. https://t.co/Hs2cHO6TQR pic.twitter.com/VTku9Xj7yL
— miixtapechiick.com (@MXCKdotCom) June 11, 2024
“They pulled the plug, bro. This shit is so fucked up. I just knew you were gonna pull through, @luvenchanting. You’ll forever be Stop6 Princess and Kasino First Lady,” wrote Lil CJ Kasino on Instagram.
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