A jury in Los Angeles unanimously ruled on Friday (23rd December) that Tory Lanez (also known as Daystar Peterson) was guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion (real name Megan Pete) in the early hours of 12th July, 2020.
The nine-day trial saw Peterson face three charges, including one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, one of carrying a concealed, loaded, and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and one of discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
The verdict led to tension in the courtroom, as Peterson’s father shouted at the prosecutors, prompting his removal. Following the ruling, Peterson faces more than 20 years in prison and the possibility of deportation, as he is a Canadian citizen.
Alex Spiro, Pete’s attorney, commented on the outcome, saying the jury “got it right” and that he is “thankful there is justice for Meg”. District attorney George Gascón also praised Pete for her “incredible courage and vulnerability” throughout her testimony.
Throughout the trial, Peterson repeatedly denied that he shot Pete after a pool party at Kylie Jenner’s house. However, he refused to testify in his own defence, while Pete delivered an emotional three-hour testimony, during which she described feeling depressed about having to relive the “torture” of the altercation.
Peterson will reportedly be sentenced on Friday, 27th January.
