LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tory Lanez will not be able to defend himself anymore after Los Angeles Superior Court rejected his request for a new trial. Judge David Herriford on Tuesday, May 9, said, "The court finds no error, prosecutorial misconduct, or newly discovered evidence." The artist is convicted in December 2022 shooting, involving hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion.
Lanez’s attorney, Jose Baez argued on Monday, May 8, that his client is found guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence due to ‘procedural errors, prosecutorial misconduct, discovery violations, and ineffective counsel.’ As per Fox11, Baez and co-counsel, Matthew Barhoma asked for repeated recesses, complained about Herriford's handling of their matter, and argued against the judge for not allowing for further witnesses and exhibits in the singer-songwriter’s defense, as reported by Fox KTVU.
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'Wrongfully convicted Black man'
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, prosecuting the case, reportedly filed a motion requesting the judge to deny the request for a new trial. "We have full faith and confidence in our trial team and are pleased with the court's ruling in the matter," said the office in a statement after the request was denied on Tuesday, reports KABC.
Lanez in April said he was "Wrongfully convicted of a crime I did not commit, Mr Gascon, I come to you today as a wrongfully convicted Black man, not asking for sympathy, nor compassion, but for you to simply do what is fair and right in the laws of California, and most importantly in the eyes of God," the 30-year-old said in an audio clip.
'I don't want to call myself a victim'
Meanwhile, the victim in the case Megan, opened up about Lanez’s conviction via an essay with Elle, "I don't want to call myself a victim. As I reflect on the past three years, I view myself as a survivor, because I have truly survived the unimaginable." The 28-year-old rapper, further said, "Not only did I survive being shot by someone I trusted and considered a close friend, but I overcame the public humiliation of having my name and reputation dragged through the mud by that individual for the world to see.” Explaining the importance of the verdict, Megan added, "It was more than just vindication for me, it was a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them."