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Prosecutors in the Tory Lanez shooting trial have reportedly filed a new motion advocating for the rapper to receive a longer prison sentence. As The Shade Room previously reported, Lanez faces up to 22 years in prison. The rapper was being convicted of “assault with a semi-automatic firearm,” carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence in December for a July 2020 incident, as per ABC News.
Additionally, the rapper’s request for a new trial was denied on May 9.
Legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff shared a copy of the prosecutors’ filing. Additionally, she included further details on the matter in a report published Wednesday via Legal Affairs and Trials.
According to Cuniff’s report, prosecutors allege that Lanez’ “demonstrated a high level of callousness” when he fired toward Megan Thee Stallion. Additionally, the prosecutors reportedly allege that the rapper did so “without any justifiable provocation or reason.”
Due to this, prosecutors believe Lanez should receive an extended prison sentence.
Cuniff included a statement from the Tuesday filing, written by Deputy District Attorneys Kathy Ta and Alex Bott.
“Victim was dressed in only a bikini, shoeless and on foot in a neighborhood completely foreign to her. It was late at night. She was unarmed and completely defenseless… [Tory Lanez] posed a significant danger to everyone (witnesses and neighbors) in the vicinity of this shooting…”
Additionally, the prosecutors called the “brazenness” of Lanez’s conduct “alarming.”
“The brazenness of Defendant’s conduct is alarming but the conscious disregard for the well-being and safety of all those around him signifies a high degree of indifference for human life.”
According to the reported court filing, prosecutors also provided insight into the impact of the shooting on Megan Thee Stallion.
“Victim suffered gunshot wounds to both of her feet and was bleeding profusely. Bullet fragments penetrated both of her feet. Victim was placed under general anesthesia and the fragments were removed during surgery.”
Prosecutors explained that the wounds caused “permanent scarring to both of her feet.”
Additionally, they added that Megan Thee Stallion has the bullet fragments “permanently embedded in her feet.” Despite undergoing physical therapy and receiving stitches for her injuries, the rapper “continues to suffer from nerve damage and experience soreness” which is especially impactful when she performs.
Lastly, prosecutors explained that Lanez “fired every round from that gun.” Then left Megan “shoeless” and in a bikini, “particularly vulnerable.”
“She was afforded no opportunity and was in no position to defend herself, find cover, or shield herself in anyway. Besides an argument in the car, there was no justifiable provocation or event that would have signaled to her that Defendant would have fired a gun at her, not just once but five times. Victims was taken entirely by surprise. Given the surrounding circumstances, she was particularly vulnerable.”
According to Cuniff’s report, prosecutors ask that Judge David Herriford consider three things when he delivers his sentencing to Tory Lanez on June 13. This includes Tory Lanez’ “callousness” and the bodily harm he caused to Megan Thee Stallion, his “use of a semi-automatic firearm,” and Megan Thee Stallion’s “vulnerability as a victim.”
Additionally, prosecutors have not recommended “a specific number of years” they would like Judge Herriford to sentence the rapper to. However, the recommendation will reportedly be shared in an additional court memorandum constructed by prosecutors on June 6.
Cuniff reports that if Judge Herriford agrees with the prosecution “aggravating factors,” he will be able to sentence Lanez to more than 22 years in prison.
