New Appeal in Tory Lanez Case Questions DNA Evidence, Family Calls Trial Unfair
Hip-Hop Artist Continues to Fight for His Freedom in 10-Year Sentence Tory Lanez, the Canadian rapper also known as Daystar Peterson, is back in court as his legal team fights to overturn his conviction for the 2020 sh**ting of Megan Thee Stallion.
At a key appeal hearing on August 18, Lanez’s lawyer, Laura L. Cepero, argued that serious legal errors during the trial led to a wrongful conviction.
Trial Was 'Unfair' Lawyer Argues Cepero told a panel of five California appellate judges that Lanez’s trial was “riddled with errors” and that he didn’t receive a fair chance to defend himself.
- Related Stories: Tory Lanez Scores Legal Victory as California Court of Appeals Considers Evidence Request in Megan Thee Stallion Case
She emphasized that Tory and his legal team have an “unwavering belief” in his innocence and accused prosecutors of misrepresenting critical DNA evidence to the jury.
According to Cepero, DNA tests showed there was only a “one in a million” chance that Tory’s DNA was actually on the weapon used in the incident.
“It is actually marginally more likely that another member of the African American population touched this gun over Mr. Peterson”
She argued, suggesting this detail could have introduced reasonable doubt if the jury had understood it correctly.
New Appeal in Tory Lanez Case Questions DNA Evidence, Lawyer and Family Calls Trial Unfair:
Tory Lanez is seeking to overturn his conviction for shooting Megan Thee Stallion while serving a decade-long sentence. His lawyer, Laura L. Cepero, argued that the trial was unfair and insisted on his innocence, claiming DNA evidence was misinterpreted.pic.twitter.com/jtu4s8b94M
— No Jumper (@nojumper) August 19, 2025
Prosecutors Stand Firm on Original Conviction
On the other side, Deputy Attorney General Michael C. Keller defended the verdict. He pointed out that Lanez had “tacitly admitted” guilt multiple times and argued that the evidence presented at trial was compelling enough to support the guilty verdict.
Keller dismissed many of the appeal points as either waived during trial or legally baseless, calling some arguments “nonsensical.”
Lanez’s Legal Team Cites More Trial Errors
Cepero also highlighted several trial missteps. She argued that Lanez’s team wasn’t allowed to properly cross-examine Kelsey Harris, a key witness who had blamed Tory in a recorded interview.
Cepero said that violated Lanez’s constitutional rights. Another claim focused on prosecutors falsely telling jurors that Justin Edison, Megan’s ex-bodyguard, would testify, a promise that never materialized.
A Long Shot for Lanez, But Not Over Yet
Despite a string of recent losses in related habeas corpus appeals, Lanez continues to fight his 10-year sentence.
The odds are stacked against him: California appellate courts overturn convictions in less than 20% of cases.
- Related Content: Tory Lanez Filing New Appeal Regarding 10-Year Sentence in Megan Thee Stallion Sh**ting Case
Still, the rapper’s legal team is determined. If this appeal fails, they plan to take the case to the California Supreme Court, a difficult but not impossible next step. As the legal drama unfolds, the hip-hop world remains divided.
Some fans believe Tory Lanez was wrongly convicted, while others stand firmly with Megan Thee Stallion, who delivered emotional testimony during the original trial.
Either way, the outcome of this appeal could have a lasting impact on both rap culture and how high-profile criminal cases involving artists are prosecuted in the future.