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Rapper Tory Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, was stabbed 14 times by a fellow inmate on Tuesday morning at California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. The brutal assault occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m., according to prison spokesperson Pedro Calderón Michel. Lanez sustained injuries to his back, torso, head, and face, with both lungs collapsing during the attack.
Staff responded immediately, performing first aid before transporting the 32-year-old rapper to an external medical facility. "Peterson was subsequently transported to an outside medical facility for further treatment," the prison stated. An investigation has been launched by the institution's Investigative Services Unit in conjunction with the Kern County District Attorney's Office. Crystal Morgan, Peterson's attorney, confirmed the stabbing and expressed concern over the lack of updates. "I'm in the dark like everyone else," she told ABC News. Morgan has since notified the rapper's family.
An update on Lanez's verified Instagram account detailed the extent of the injuries: "Seven wounds to his back, four to his torso, two to the back of his head, and one to the left side of his face." The post added that he was temporarily placed on a breathing apparatus but is now breathing unaided. "Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits, and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through."
Lanez is currently serving a 10-year sentence after being convicted in December 2022 on three felony charges, including assault with a semi-automatic firearm. The charges stem from a July 2020 incident where Megan Thee Stallion, legally Megan Pete, was shot in both feet as she exited a vehicle after a party at Kylie Jenner's Hollywood residence.
During the trial, Pete testified that Lanez shouted at her to "dance" before firing at the ground. She underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments. "He not only shot me, he made a mockery of my trauma," she said in her victim impact statement. "He tried to position himself as a victim and set out to destroy my character and my soul."
Lanez has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. His appeal is ongoing, and a Los Angeles judge denied his bond request in September 2023.
Before his conviction, Lanez had achieved seven top 10 albums in the U.S. and recently teased a new project titled Peterson from prison. As authorities investigate the motive behind the stabbing, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about inmate safety in California's correctional facilities.
