Claims by rapper Tory Lanez that the firearm used in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion has gone missing are “demonstrably false,” according to court documents filed by California prosecutors.
Lanez’s attorneys argued in a petition last month that their client is unable to pursue a claim of innocence because the firearm and bullet fragments allegedly tied to the case are missing. The incarcerated artist, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was convicted in December 2022 of assault with a firearm and other charges in connection with the shooting.
On Tuesday, Meghann Cuniff, a reporter covering the case, shared details of the state’s response. Prosecutors pushed back, asserting Lanez failed to provide evidence supporting his assertion. They also presented a declaration from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirming the firearm’s custody.
“His failure to do so is especially troubling because his factual assertion that the firearm, casings, and bullet fragments are ‘missing’ is contradicted by the attached declaration from Martin Preciado,” the filing stated. Preciado’s statement noted that a query of the LAPD’s computer system revealed the gun, its magazine, and related evidence remained in police custody.
Lanez, who is serving a 10-year sentence, has maintained his innocence and expressed plans to appeal his conviction. His legal team has argued that additional testing of the firearm and fragments is necessary to support his claims.
The case has drawn widespread attention since Megan Thee Stallion, whose legal name is Megan Pete, alleged Lanez, shot her in the feet following a Hollywood party in July 2020. The Grammy-winning rapper testified during the trial about the physical and emotional toll of the incident.
The court has yet to rule on Lanez’s latest petition.
