Tory Lanez has been found guilty of shooting Meghan Thee Stallion.
The ‘Luv’ hitmaker – who did not give evidence during his nine-day trial – was convicted of all three charges, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence, in relation to the July 2020 incident by a jury in Los Angeles on Friday (23.12.22).
The 30-year-old rapper – whose real name is Daystar Peterson – showed “no visible reaction” as the verdict was given and he will be sentenced on 27 January, with the charges carrying a possible maximum punishment of 22 years and eight months in prison.
But moments later, after the jury was escorted out, his father, Sonstar Peterson, leapt up and shouted “This wicked system stands judged before God almighty!” as deputies closed in on him.
Peterson then pointed to the two prosecutors and yelled “You two are evil, wicked people. You know exactly what you did.”
With considerable effort, deputies wrestled him from the courtroom, where he shouted in the hallway.
The jury of seven women and five men deliberated since Thursday before convicting the 30-year-old Canadian rapper, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
Jurors also agreed that there were aggravating factors in the attack, meaning Lanez could face up to 22 years in prison and deportation when is is sentenced on Jan 25.
Three young children, including Lanez’ son, sat in the front row of the courtroom while the verdict was read. A young girl cried and was hugged by Lanez’s stepmother, who was also tearful before she began shouting along with her husband.
Others in the audience shouted agreement, and one woman shouted “we love you Tory” as he was led away.
Supporters of Megan and Lanez gathered outside the courthouse for most of the eight-day trial and crowded the courtroom and the hallway. The scene was tense at times, but remained mostly peaceful until the verdict was read.
