Tory Lanez, defense attorney, says "a community would suffer if he spent too much time behind bars"

 

Tory Lanez, defense attorney, says "a community would suffer if he spent too much time behind bars"

Rapper Tory Lanez, who was convicted of shooting hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet just over three years ago, was due to receive his prison sentence on Monday. However, it was once again postponed.

As we previously reported, prosecutors have asked a judge to sentence the Canadian rapper to 13 years in prison after he was convicted of shooting the hip-hop star in 2020.

Speaking to media on Monday after the hearing that is scheduled to continue into Tuesday, Lanez's lawyer, José Baez, explained that the singer is regretful of his actions on the night of the shooting. Baez also said that because Lanez has helped people get in and out of prison, he thinks it's significant enough for the judge to consider during sentencing. He added, "The countless people he has helped over the years will ultimately suffer and I'm sorry... I think we've established today... it clearly shows that a community will suffer if he spends too much time behind bars."

So what is Tory Lanez's legal team asking for?

The team is asking for parole in lieu of [further] jail time. Baez explained, “First of all, he is already serving time in prison. He has over a year of prison credits. In addition, we asked him to receive residential treatment, which is a treatment in hours. You don't go home. So this is also a period of incarceration.”

Reaction to Megan Thee Stallion's Impact Statement?

As we previously reported, Megan Thee Stallion explained her absence from yesterday's hearing. She said, "Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not had a single day of peace," Megan, whose real name is Megan Pete, said in a statement read out by Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ta. “Slowly but surely, I am healing and coming back, but I will never be the same.” She added that she "just couldn't be in a room with Tory again".

Reacting to her pre-written letter, criminal defense attorney Jose Baez said: “I have no comment. I do not represent Miss Pete. Baez said he and his legal team are "hoping for the best for the best outcome for everyone."

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