Chris Samuel
Tory Lanez, the rapper found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion, is facing a legal challenge as his defense team aims to disqualify Judge David Herriford, who denied their motion for a new trial. Lanez's lawyers have filed a petition with the California Court of Appeal, seeking the removal of Judge Herriford from the case.
Tory Lanez’s Defense Seeks Disqualification
Lanez’s legal team is making efforts to disqualify Judge David Herriford, who rejected their motion for a new trial after Lanez was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion. They filed a petition on May 19, 2023, requesting the removal of Judge Herriford from the case.
However, it currently needs to be determined whether the California Court of Appeal will consider the defense team’s request before Lanez’s scheduled sentencing on June 13.
Impact on Sentencing
The filing of the petition has not affected Lanez’s sentencing process. Judge Herriford is not required to delay the sentencing proceedings while the petition is pending. The judge will determine Lanez’s fate despite the ongoing legal maneuver unless a successful disqualification occurs.
Previous Disqualification Statement Rejected + Prosecutors Seek Harsh Sentence
During the hearing on Lanez’s motion for a new trial, Judge Herriford dismissed the disqualification statement presented by Lanez’s lawyers, Matthew Barhoma and Jose Baez. This rejection occurred last month and added another complexity to Lanez’s case’s legal proceedings.
In addition, Los Angeles prosecutors are seeking a sentence of over ten years for Tory Lanez. The rapper currently faces a maximum sentence of 22 years for the shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.
Updated by Catherine Dallum on June 6th, 2023
Tory Lanez Denied New Trial In Megan Thee Stallion Shooting Case
Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, has been denied a new trial by Los Angeles Superior Judge Herriford. Lanez was convicted in December 2022 of three felonies for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. Despite arguments from Lanez’s lawyers, Judge Herriford rejected the motion for a new trial, stating that the disputed evidence would not have affected the trial’s outcome.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (5/10/23 at 2:07 pm)
Lanez, 30, now faces sentencing for assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possessing a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. If sentenced to the maximum extent, Lanez could spend up to 22 years in prison and face deportation to his native Canada.
Tory Lanez’s Plea & Appeal Efforts
During the proceedings, Lanez pleaded to Judge Herriford, hoping to avoid severe consequences by stating, “I could be your son. I could be your brother.” However, his plea did not sway the judge’s decision. Lanez and his legal team plan to appeal to a higher court, although their chances of success appear low.
Arguments & Challenges Faced By Lanez’s Lawyers
Lanez’s lawyers raised several concerns regarding the previous trial. They argued that specific evidence, including a post from Lanez’s Instagram account, was improperly admitted. They also claimed that Megan Thee Stallion’s testimony regarding Lanez urging her not to involve the police was both false and an inappropriate reference to prior bad acts.
Additionally, Lanez’s attorneys questioned the validity of the DNA evidence presented by prosecutors, suggesting it fell short of industry standards.
Obstacles Faced by Lanez’s Legal Team
Lanez’s attorneys encountered difficulties during the motion’s oral arguments. Despite preparing an elaborate presentation with audio-visuals and witnesses, Judge Herriford insisted on narrow legal disputes, denying the use of extensive visual aids. Lanez’s lawyers pleaded for the opportunity to present their case as planned but were ultimately restricted to the standard legal procedure.
They later filed a motion to disqualify the judge, citing mistakes made by Lanez’s previous attorney, who had limited time to prepare before trial. The denial for a new trial marks the latest event in The Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion Timeline, which includes the trial, verdict, and aftermath.
Lanez’s denial of a new trial has significant implications for his future. With sentencing pending and the possibility of a lengthy prison term, Lanez’s legal battles continue. The timeline of events between Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion has garnered significant attention, and this latest development adds to the ongoing narrative surrounding the case.
Tory Lanez Begs Judge Not To “Ruin His Life” During New Trial
Singer and rapper Tory Lanez appeared in court on May 8 for a new trial hearing after being found guilty of shooting Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez filed a new motion claiming “ineffective counsel” during his initial trial and has hired new attorneys to present fresh DNA evidence to the jury. During the hearing, Lanez pleaded with Judge Herriford to grant him freedom, stating, “Please don’t ruin my life.”
Updated By: Chris Samuel (5/9/23 at 5:03 pm)
Lanez’s Motion For A New Trial
Tory Lanez filed a new motion for a new trial hearing, claiming that his previous legal team was “ineffective counsel.” Lanez recently hired new attorneys Matthew Barhoma and Jose Baez to present fresh DNA evidence to the jury, which they believe can exonerate Lanez from his detachment in prison.
Baez hired one of the best DNA experts in the nation to analyze the same DNA test carefully. Lanez’s DNA “is 100 percent excluded and 100 percent eliminated from the gun.” During the initial trial, Lanez’s DNA from the gun is “inconclusive.”
Ineffective Counsel
During the hearing, Judge Herriford asked Lanez’s team why they never objected to the DNA findings during the trial. Barhoma responded, stating that Lanez’s former attorney Shawn Holley lied to courts that she had hired her own DNA expert but would only be doing so eight months later.
Baez added the claim that Holley “was not adequately prepared.”
Lanez’s Plea To Judge Herriford
The Canadian artist pleaded with Judge Herriford to grant him freedom during the hearing, “Please don’t ruin my life. I could be your son. I could be your brother,” Lanez reportedly said while in the courtroom.
If Lanez’s motion for a new trial is rejected, he can still appeal the decision. He may have an argument, especially “ineffective counsel,” according to LA Times’ James Queally, who is covering the case via Twitter.
Expected Ruling
Judge Herriford is expected to rule on Lanez’s motion for a new trial on May 9 around 10:30 PST.
Recently, Megan Thee Stallion broke her silence since Tory Lanez was indicted and said, “People treated my trauma like it was a joke” during the trial.
Tory Lanez Awaits New Trial Behind Bars; Says He Was “Wrongfully Convicted”
Jailed rapper Tory Lanez recently made headlines once again after posting on Instagram. The rapper claims he was wrongfully convicted in the shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez maintained his innocence since the charges were first brought against him and awaited a new trial behind bars.
Updated By: Nicole Bartley (4/24/23 at 4:08 pm)
On Friday, April 21, Tory Lanez took to his Instagram, declaring that he was “wrongfully convicted” of the shooting incident involving fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion. The Instagram post included an audio recording where Lanez alleged that he was not given a fair trial and accused prosecutors of hiding exculpatory evidence that could have proven his innocence.
In fact, the Canadian rapper added that he watched prosecutors “unlawfully misuse their authority to hide and suppress any and all exculpatory evidence that exonerates me and furthers my innocence.”
The “Say It” rapper has been in custody since he was ordered to be taken into custody on December 23, 2022, shortly after the jury’s verdict was read.
Jury Selection For Tory Lanez’s New Trial Begins
Tory Lanez was found guilty of all charges related to the shooting of fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion in December 2022. However, Lanez recently filed for a new trial, further delaying his sentencing. The selection of a new jury for the upcoming trial has already begun and is expected to last one to two weeks.
Updated By: Nicole Bartley (4/17/23 at 1:21 pm)
Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, who was found guilty of shooting fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion has filed for a new trial. The move has delayed his sentencing, and jury selection for the upcoming trial has already begun.
The new trial could begin as early as mid-May. Lanez’s new attorney has filed a motion for a new trial, alleging that prejudicial evidence was entered into the trial and that the prosecution interfered with Lanez’s right to counsel. In particular, the attorney pointed to a line of questioning of a key witness, Kelsey Harris, about accusations that Lanez tried to bribe Harris.
Inconsistencies in Harris’s testimony have emerged, with her citing anxiety and postpartum depression as reasons for her inconsistencies. The jury selection process could take up to two weeks.
Tory Lanez Sentencing Delayed As Defense Continues To Push For New Trial
Tory Lanez was expected to be sentenced on April 10 at the Los Angeles Superior Court, however, the date got pushed back as his legal team pursued a new trial.
Updated By Nadya Nataly (4/10/23 at 5:47 pm)
On April 10, the day Lanez was scheduled for sentencing, his legal team also pushed for a new trial. Lanez’s initial sentencing hearing was also scheduled for January but continued to get rescheduled repeatedly.
In the wake of the possibility of a new trial, his new legal team has filed motions and cited issues they aim to address. The court is expected to resume in a week.
Should Lanez be given the maximum sentence on each charge, he may face up to 22 years and eight months in prison, with deportation to Canada following his incarceration.
Tory Lanez Files Motion For New Trial Following Guilty Verdict In Megan Thee Stallion Shooting Case
Tory Lanez filed a motion for a new trial involving the 2020 shooting incident of Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez was found guilty of shooting Megan but is now seeking a new trial.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (3/30/23 at 2:53 pm)
Tory Lanez submitted a motion for a new trial regarding the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, according to a Rolling Stone report.
Tory Lanez Seeks New Trial
On Dec. 23, 2022, the “Say It” rapper was found guilty of shooting Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the foot.
In the latest event of the Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion trial, Lanez and his legal team are now arguing that there were flaws in the trial, and they are seeking a new trial after filing a new motion on March 27.
Lanez previously dropped his former attorney George Mgdesyan, who represented him when he was convicted. Lanez’s attorneys Jose Baez and Matthew Barhoma cited multiple sources in the new motion file claiming the judge “erroneously allowed” jurors to view a September 2020 Instagram post from Lanez’s personal account, saying Megan’s former best friend Kelsey Harris was not the shooter.
According to Rolling Stone, Lanez’s content creator, Joshua Farias, claimed he was managing Lanez’s Instagram, also admitting he was the one who replied “that’s not true” to a comment on The Shade Room’s account stating, “People saying Kelsey shot her.”
In addition, Lanez’ attorney’s claim the prosecutors “ambushed” them with the post during the trial and the judge should not have blocked the post because they did not have enough evidence to prove who wrote the reply.
During the trial, prosecutors also wanted to use Lanez’s rap lyrics as tools of evidence.
A hearing is scheduled for April 10, which is the same day as Lanez’s sentencing. Lanez was charged with assault with a firearm and faces up to 22 years in prison.
Tory Lanez ‘Guilty’ In Megan Thee Stallion Shooting Trial
Tory Lanez was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion during the July 2020 incident following a gathering in the Hollywood Hills. After several hours of deliberation and more than 2 weeks of proceedings, the diverse and attentive jury rendered its verdict to the Honorable Judge David Herriford.
Tory Lanez Verdict On All Three Counts
The artist Tory Lanez, born Daystarr Peterson, was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020. The jury, composed of seven women and five men, delivered a verdict after several hours of deliberation following the prosecution and defense closing arguments. Lanez was facing over 22 years in prison.
On the count of Assault With A Semi-Automatic Firearm, Tory is guilty. This dealt specifically with the question of whether it was he who was responsible for the assault on Megan Thee Stallion that resulted in her injuries.
On the count of Discharge of Firearms with Gross Negligence, Peterson was found guilty, meaning Lanez didn’t fire the gun.
On the count of Having a Concealed Gun in an Unregistered Vehicle, Lanez was found guilty .
Kelsey Nicole Harris Accused of the Shooting
During the closing arguments, Lanez attorneys alleged the shots were fired by Megan’s former best friend, Kelsey Nicole Harris, in a jealous fight over Lanez. The defense also said Lanez tried to stop the shooting. Defense attorney George Mgdesyan alleged that Megan pinned the shooting on Lanez.
Kelsey, who is also Meg’s former assistant, has denied being the shooter. Before repeatedly stating “I don’t remember” during testimony in court, Kelsey identified Lanez as the person holding the gun in recorded interviews with the Los Angeles Superior court district attorneys. Harris has also pleaded the fifth and received “use immunity” from the district attorneys.
The 911 caller, Sean Kelly, who saw the night’s incident play out from his child’s bedroom, said he saw flashes coming from a woman in a previous interview with investigators. Once in court, he added he saw “the little guy” — referring to Tory Lanez — exit the car and physically struggle with Kelsey Harris. Kelly described what he called “flashes” in the dark. Kelly never used the word “gun” to describe what he saw.
How The Tory Lanez Trial Unfolded
The verdict comes after 13 days of testimony and hearings. Jury selection began on Dec. 5th. SOHH exclusively reported that an unidentified African-American female juror declared to be recused from the trial stating she believed that Tory Lanez was “innocent.” This was also the day that Tory was released from his ankle bracelet house arrest.
Prosecution Confirms Tory Lanez And Megan Were Lovers
After jury selection was completed, the trial resumed on December 12 with the prosecution presenting their opening statements. It was confirmed that Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez were lovers. There was also the reveal of the love triangle with her best friend, Kelsey. This revelation undercut Megan’s statements in her TV interview with Gayle King in which she attested she was not in a sexual relationship with Tory. Meanwhile, Tory’s defense team argued that his petite stature made it impossible for him to be the shooter.
Megan testified on December 13th as her supporters stood outside the LA Superior Court holding a banner that said: “We Stand With Megan.” Daystarr “Tory Lanez” Peterson watched from the pews as Megan tearfully proclaimed herself as a “victim” under attack. In one of the most dramatic displays, she stated if she knew in advance she would have received so much public backlash, she wished “he would have just shot me dead.”
Kelsey Fingers Tory Lanez For The Shooting In Interview Video
Stallion’s ex-best friend, Kelsey Nicole Harris, offered a limited testimony on the 2020 shooting involving Tory Lanez in Day 7 of the Megan vs Tory trial. Repeatedly responding with “I can’t remember,” Kelsey shocked the entire courtroom when she said she would “plead the fifth” and made an immunity deal with the DA.
However, the LA District Attorney played the 90-minute Sept. 20 interview between Kelsey Harris and the prosecutors, which told a clearer story. In the taped interview Kelsey told prosecutors “Tory shot Megan.”
Megan’s Stylist, EJ, Gives Insight On What Allegedly Happened At Kylie Jenner’s House
The hearing continued with surprising revelations by Megan Thee Stallion’s stylist, EJ, who was there in Kylie Jenner’s residence where the drama began. EJ described the events of that night, citing that the situation had gotten tense at Kylie’s house. He sensed it was time to leave the party.
The stylist described a scene where Kelsey had passed out and Megan was really far gone and making snarky comments to the host, Kylie Jenner. EJ, who was introduced as a defense witness, offered his testimony for the first time in court, saying “no one had ever asked” him to testify.
With the question of “Who shot Megan” very much still muddy and unclear to trial watchers, the prosecution and Tory Lanez’ defense attorney considered whether to call Tory Lanez to the witness stand to give his first-hand account of the events that resulted in Megan Thee Stallion’s alleged shooting.
The Los Angeles Superior court district attorneys also discussed introducing rap lyrics and social media posts. Eventually, Tory would not testify, and neither would the driver of the vehicle, Jacquan Smith, the only sober person to witness the entire events of the night.
Defense Calls Megan Thee Stallion A Liar
Jurors heard the testimony of the 911 caller who witnessed the street shooting scene. Sean Kelly said he saw Lanez and Kelsey Harris, Megan’s former assistant, with something that looked like sparks or fireworks after hearing the explosive sounds. Kelly didn’t use the word “gun” to describe what he saw in Harris and Lanez’ hands.
“Megan is a liar,” George Mgdesyan Lanez’ defense said in his closing statements of the trial. According to Mgdesyan, Megan lied on social media and lied again when she was asked about her intimate relationship with Lanez.
Alternatively, state prosecutors, in their closing statements, asked the jury to focus on the question of “Who Shot Megan” – disregarding the issues created by the love triangle and the muddiness of the sole witness testimony by Sean Kelly. The jurors were reminded of the gun residue found on Tory (and Kelsey) and Kelsey’s September testimony in which she emphatically stated, “Tory shot Megan.”
A Timeline Of Megan Thee Stallion’s Assault Trial Against Tory Lanez + Their Rocky Relationship
Megan Thee Stallion’s assault trial against Tory Lanez started on Dec. 5, at the Los Angeles Superior Court. The case follows after the July 2020 shooting, which transpired after a heated exchange and Megan sustaining injuries to her feet.
Originally Written By: Nadya Nataly (12/23/23 at 6:28 pm)
