While rumors have circulated about the outcome of Tory Lanez’s appeal, the California appellate court has only rejected certain petitions from the rapper’s legal team, leaving his main appeal still pending after recent oral arguments in Los Angeles.
A three-justice panel comprised of Lee Smalley Edmon, Anne H. Egerton, and Rashida A. Adams recently denied two petitions seeking a new evidentiary hearing or resentencing based on newly introduced evidence in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case.
The defense has pursued multiple legal avenues, arguing that DNA testing during the original trial violated accepted forensic standards. Lanez’s attorneys have emphasized that no DNA definitively linked him to the shooting weapon, with experts at trial acknowledging that no petitioner DNA was found on the magazine and gun results were inconclusive.
Prosecutors countered that additional DNA tests would not prove innocence or substantially alter the case’s outcome.
Central to Lanez’s denied petitions was new testimony from his driver, Jauquan Smith, who claimed he saw the gun in another person’s possession before the shooting but didn’t witness who fired it.
Additionally, the defense attempted to introduce an affidavit from Kelsey Harris’ bodyguard, who allegedly overheard Harris admitting to firing the weapon. The court, however, determined these statements didn’t merit a new trial.
Attorney Laura L. Cepero has publicly maintained Lanez’s innocence, citing trial unfairness and prosecutorial misconduct in how DNA evidence was interpreted.
The defense also challenged the trial judge’s decision to allow testimony about the victim’s emotions and the implications of Lanez’s music lyrics.
Sentenced in December 2022 to 10 years in prison for the July 2020 shooting, Lanez continues his legal battle on multiple fronts.
The rapper’s family and friends have enlisted a rightwing lobbyist to advocate for a pardon from Governor Gavin Newsom, expressing optimism about his legal prospects despite the recent setbacks.
Similar to how performance rights organizations ensure music creators receive proper compensation for their work, Lanez’s legal team is fighting to ensure he receives fair treatment in the judicial system.
While Crystal Morgan has managed briefing and oral argument duties, prominent attorney Jose Baez remains formally involved but not as lead counsel.
As Lanez awaits the court’s decision on his main appeal, questions about DNA evidence and the true shooter continue to complicate his case.
The situation has impacted Lanez’s music career, preventing him from accessing streaming royalties that typically provide significant income for recording artists.
Contrary to widespread social media speculation, no official outcome has been announced regarding Tory Lanez’s appeal, with his legal team and supporters anxiously awaiting the final decision.
