A Los Angeles judge has rejected Tory Lanez’s plea for a new trial after the rapper was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot following a party in the Hollywood Hills in 2020.
During the court hearing on Tuesday, May 9, the artist, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, implored Judge David Herriford not to “ruin [his] life” by denying the motion, appealing to their shared humanity: “I could be your son, your brother.”
Peterson’s sentencing, originally scheduled for February 28, was delayed to allow his legal team to file for a new trial. However, Judge Herriford stated, “In the end, the jury believed the prosecution’s case beyond a reasonable doubt,” according to legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff.
Following the judge’s ruling, Peterson’s lawyers filed a motion to disqualify Judge Herriford from the case, asserting that he couldn’t issue a ruling until the motion was resolved. However, Herriford disagreed.
If convicted, Peterson could face over 20 years in prison on assault and weapons charges, as determined by a Los Angeles jury in December 2022. A sentencing date has not been set, but Herriford reportedly suggested it could occur within 30 days of his ruling.
During the trial, Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, testified that Peterson shot at her feet and told her to “dance b****” after she exited his SUV following an argument about their music careers. She underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments from her feet and claimed that Peterson offered her $1 million to remain silent about the incident due to his probationary status.
Megan maintained that she did not fire the gun and identified Peterson as the shooter.
In response to the verdict, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón commended Megan’s bravery and resilience, particularly in the face of “repeated and grotesque attacks.” Gascón highlighted the courage exhibited by women, especially Black women, in reporting crimes like assault and sexual violence, emphasizing that their accounts should be believed.
