Rapper Tory Lanez found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020

Tory Lanez was found guilty of all three felony firearm counts over the 2020 roadside incident.

December 26, 2022 - 1:25 PM IST

On Friday, a jury in Los Angeles found rapper Tory Lanez (birth name Daystar Peterson) guilty of three charges related to the July 2020 shooting incident when he shot rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the feet after leaving Kylie Jenner’s house party.

Rapper Tory Lanez found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020

According to Variety, Peterson was convicted on one felony count each of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, negligent discharge of a firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle. The Canadian rapper pleaded not guilty in November 2020 and faces up to 22 years and eight months in prison along with subsequent deportation. A sentencing hearing is set for January 27.

As per the report, the doctor, who operated on Meghan’s severed feet, also took the stand in the trial to confirm he had removed bullet fragments from her feet. The trial began December 12 with Meghan testifying that Peterson had shot her in an emotional retelling of the roadside incident. Per the outlet, the defense went on to argue that this was a case about jealousy between Pete and Kelsey Harris, her former friend and ex-assistant, who both allegedly had intimate relationships with Peterson.

Harris claimed she doesn’t remember clearly if Peterson was the one who pulled the trigger because of alcohol influence as well as her struggles with anxiety and postpartum depression. Harris also told the court that her estranged friend Meghan had “painted the picture that I betrayed her.” Harris testified, “She’s painted the picture that I’m this bad person, bad friend, that I took hush money. There are many lies.” Meanwhile, Peterson had repeatedly denied the allegations of shooting.

“I want to start by highlighting the bravery of Megan Pete,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “You showed incredible courage and vulnerability with your testimony despite repeated and grotesque attacks that you did not deserve. You faced unjust and despicable scrutiny that no woman should ever face and you have been an inspiration to others across LA County and the nation.”

He continued, “Women, especially Black women, are afraid to report crimes like assault and sexual violence because they are too often not believed. This trial, for the second time this month, highlighted the numerous ways that our society must do better for women. I’d also like to thank the jurors for their time and thoughtful deliberation, and our trial team for their tireless pursuit of the truth. You spent countless hours away from your families during the holiday season preparing this case and finding justice for Ms. Pete. Your sacrifice is appreciated.”

Also Read: Megan Thee Stallion testifies against Tory Lanez; says he offered $1 million to not ‘say anything’ after shooting