On July 12, 2020, Tory Lanez shot Megan Thee Stallion in the feet at a Los Angeles home following an argument between the two inside a vehicle. The rapper Tory, real name Daystar Peterson, was later convicted in December 2022 of assault with a semi-automatic firearm and sentenced to ten years in prison. Megan Thee Stallion, a Houston-born artist, sustained gunshot wounds that required surgical care but were not life-threatening. This explainer outlines the date, sequence of events, legal proceedings, and verified details from court records and credible reporting.
Key facts at a glance
The incident involved two figures in the music industry and drew wide attention because of the high-profile careers of both individuals. Below are core details drawn from court documents and reliable news reports.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of shooting | July 12, 2020 | Court filings, news reports |
| Location | Los Angeles, California, USA | Law enforcement reports |
| Victim | Megan Thee Stallion (Megan Jovon Ruth Pete) | Indictment and testimony |
| Shooter | Tory Lanez (Daystar Peterson) | Indictment and conviction |
| Weapon | Semi-automatic firearm | Court documents |
| Injuries | Gunshot wounds to both feet | Medical records, testimony |
| Verdict | Guilty on all counts (December 2022) | Jury verdict |
| Sentence | 10 years in state prison | Sentencing memorandum |
What happened on July 12, 2020
On the evening of July 12, 2020, a party took place at a Los Angeles residence. According to prosecutors and bodycamera footage, Tory and Megan were in a vehicle at the property when an argument escalated. At close range, Tory fired a semi-automatic pistol at Megan’s feet. Bodycamera video played a key role in showing the moments before and after the shooting. Emergency services were called, and Megan was transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening wounds to both feet.
Immediate aftermath and medical care
Megan received surgical care for her injuries and was discharged after evaluation. The Los Angeles Police Department responded and opened a criminal investigation. Bodycamera footage from responding officers helped establish the sequence of events. Tory initially made statements to police that were inconsistent with later evidence, which contributed to the investigative focus.
Legal proceedings and timeline
The case moved from investigation to indictment and eventually to trial. Tory was charged with multiple counts related to the shooting. A notable early procedural step involved a leaked video that created discussion around prejudicial pretrial material. The prosecution’s case relied on gunshot residue tests, ballistic analysis, and Megan’s testimony. In December 2022, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all counts. The following year, he was sentenced to ten years in state prison.
Indictment and charges
- Assault with a semi-automatic firearm
- Carrying a loaded firearm in public
- Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Trial and conviction
At trial, the prosecution presented physical evidence, including shell casings and the weapon. Both parties testified, with Megan describing the events from her perspective. The jury deliberated and found Tory guilty in December 2022. The court sentenced him to ten years, reflecting the severity of the charges and the use of a firearm.
Context about the individuals involved
Understanding the professional backgrounds and public profiles of both parties helps explain why the incident drew sustained attention.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion is a rapper and songwriter born in Houston, Texas. She gained widespread recognition for her freestyle videos and collaborations before releasing hit singles and an album. At the time of the incident, she was actively releasing music and building a broad fanbase.
Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, is a Canadian rapper and singer who had released multiple albums by 2020. He was actively touring and releasing music before the incident. His career faced significant consequences after the conviction.
Impact on careers and public perception
For Megan Thee Stallion, the shooting was a traumatic event that she later addressed publicly, including in music and interviews. She filed a civil suit against Tory in addition to the criminal case. For Tory Lanez, the conviction marked a turning point, effectively halting his mainstream momentum and resulting in a lengthy prison sentence.
Civil case
Megan also pursued a civil lawsuit, seeking damages related to the shooting. The proceedings added a layer of public examination around accountability and restitution. The outcomes of both criminal and civil cases underscored the seriousness with which the legal system treated the matter.
Common questions and clarifications
Because this incident spans criminal justice, celebrity, and public safety, people often seek clarification on specific points. Below are answers to recurring questions grounded in court records and credible reporting.
- Why did this become a public case? The involvement of two well-known artists and the use of a firearm drew significant media and public attention.
- Were there bodycamera visuals? Yes, bodycamera and surveillance footage were entered as evidence and played a key role at trial.
- Has Tory spoken publicly since the conviction? He has made limited public statements, mostly through his legal team, while focusing on appeals and prison term.
Reliable sources and further reading
Key information comes from court documents, sworn testimony, and reporting by established news organizations. Anyone seeking deeper context can review indictment copies, trial transcripts where permitted, and authoritative news coverage that adheres to ethical reporting standards.
Because this explainer relies on verified public records, it remains useful as an enduring reference rather than a reaction to fleeting headlines.
tags: tory lanez, megan thee stallion, shooting