Tory Lanez Stabbed 14 Times in California Prison Attack, Images and Video Emerge

Lanez - real name Daystar Peterson - in his most recent photo from prison

Rapper Tory Lanez, 42, was violently stabbed 14 times by another inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi on May 12. The brutal attack left the Canadian artist, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, covered in blood and hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. He is currently serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.

Images circulating online show Lanez walking through a prison corridor, visibly shocked, wearing grey shorts and gold chains, with his body splattered in blood. The disturbing aftermath followed a 39-second surveillance clip showing the moment the ambush occurred.

Images of the injured Toy Lanez showed him walking through a corridor in grey shorts drenched and splattered with blood with a shocked expression on his face

The footage reveals Lanez stepping out of a cell and pausing near a staircase when an inmate, identified as Santino Casio, charged at him. The assault began while Lanez was still standing, but he quickly collapsed. For approximately 21 seconds, Casio hovered over Lanez, repeatedly stabbing him as Lanez writhed and screamed in pain, shouting, “Oh God,” while no one intervened. Eventually, Lanez managed to crawl away and flee down a staircase, disappearing from the camera's view.

Lanez's team later confirmed the rapper was stabbed 14 times — including seven times in the back, four in the torso, twice in the back of the head, and once on the left side of his face. He suffered collapsed lungs and was placed on a breathing apparatus but is now reportedly breathing on his own. According to his representatives, he remains in good spirits and is grateful for the support and prayers he has received.

Lanez stepped out of a cell and paused near a staircase when the attacker, identified by The Shade Room as Santino Casio (pictured), suddenly charged at him

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed that the attack occurred around 7:20 a.m. Staff responded immediately, activated emergency services, and began medical aid. Lanez was transported to a hospital in Bakersfield, about an hour away, for further treatment. An investigation is underway, led by CCI’s Investigative Services Unit and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. The Office of the Inspector General has also been informed.

Lanez was sentenced in August 2023 to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet in a July 2020 incident following a party at Kylie Jenner’s home in the Hollywood Hills. He was convicted on three felony charges: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging the weapon with gross negligence.

Lanez is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence after shooting Megan Thee Stallion nearly five years ago

During the trial, Megan testified that Lanez yelled at her to “dance” as he fired shots at her feet. She later underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments. Prior to sentencing, she said in a statement that she had not had “a single day of peace” since the incident and that although she is slowly healing, she will “never be the same.”

At his sentencing, Lanez expressed remorse, calling Megan “someone I still care for to this day” and saying he took “full responsibility” for what happened. His request for a reduced sentence or probation was denied. His legal team has since filed an appeal, citing “erroneous admission of evidence” and “prosecutorial misconduct.”

Despite the conviction and incarceration, Lanez’s Instagram account remains active. He recently posted a photo appearing to show him with other inmates, just days before the violent prison attack.

Footage of the stabbing