Prosecutors in Los Angeles are reportedly seeking 13 years in prison for Tory Lanez regarding the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez was found guilty on three felony charges, last December, and faces a maximum of 22 years and eight months in prison. Independent journalist Meghann Cuniff shared a memorandum online that the prosecution filed on Tuesday.
“Words have power and the pen is oftentimes mightier than the sword. In this case, Daystar Peterson [Lanez's legal name] used both,” the memo read. “Not content to have hurt the victim by use of his sword (gun), he also used his pen. His online posts for nearly three years have re-traumatized the victim.”
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The memo adds: “His online reach is worldwide (millions of followers plus casual observers) and the defendant’s statements embolden his followers so that they too have been complicit in re-traumatizing the victim. He is responsible for the effect of his words and his actions.” Later, it cites the release of Lanez's album, Daystar, and the fact he references the shooting in the lyrics. The memo also brings up his attack on August Alsina in Chicago in September 2022 as another example of his lack of remorse.
The prosecution's memo arrives after Lanez and his legal team filed to disqualify Judge David Herriford while alleging he displayed favoritism. Herriford presided over Lanez’s two-week trial in December and also recently rejected the rapper’s motion for a new trial. Herriford shot down the accusations in a written order when Lanez filed the motion. “All rulings made by me in this action have been based upon facts and arguments officially presented to me and upon my understanding of the law," he said. "All statements made by me and all actions taken by me in this proceeding have been done in furtherance of what I believe were my judicial duties.” Lanez's sentencing will go down on June 13.
[Via]