Tory Lanez’s Appeal Explores Claims Involving Megan Thee Stallion’s Bodyguard

## Overview of the Appeal Hearing

A three-judge panel recently reviewed **Tory Lanez’s** appeal regarding his conviction related to the shooting of **Megan Thee Stallion**. Lanez’s attorney argued for the reversal of his 2022 conviction, suggesting that the prosecution’s claims were unfounded, a statement met with skepticism by a prosecutor.

## Key Issues Raised by Justice Adams

### Focus on Prosecution Claims

Justice Rashida Adams, part of California’s Second Appellate District, raised questions about the prosecution’s initial statements regarding Megan’s bodyguard, **Justin Edison**. Lanez’s lawyer, **Crystal Morgan**, argued that prosecutors should not have made dramatic references to Edison during the trial’s opening, especially since Edison did not testify as expected.

### The Missing Witness

During the trial, prosecutors told the jury they would hear directly from Edison. They claimed he would testify that Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, admitted to being the shooter after the incident. However, when Edison failed to appear, the judge issued a body attachment, meaning Edison could be forcibly brought to court if necessary. Yet, he remained unavailable throughout the trial.

## Arguments from the Defense

Morgan contended that the prosecution’s comments about Edison were not only inappropriate but also misleading. Justice Adams questioned whether it was reasonable to prohibit references to a witness under a body attachment status. The defense claimed they had no access to interview materials regarding Edison.

### Response from the Prosecution

Deputy Attorney General **Michael Keller** defended the prosecution’s position, stating there was sufficient evidence for conviction even without Edison’s testimony. He noted that if Lanez’s team had concerns about Edison, they should have raised them earlier in the trial.

## Evidence Presented at Trial

Edison was frequently mentioned during the trial. Notably, a text from Megan’s former best friend, **Kelsey Harris**, to Edison was displayed to the jury shortly after the shooting. The message, which read, “Help / Tory shot meg / 911,” indicated immediate distress.

### Lanez’s Own Admissions

Keller emphasized that testimony from Edison would have been redundant since both Megan and Harris identified Lanez as the shooter. Lanez himself acknowledged his actions in a recorded jail call, attributing them to intoxication and expressing remorse for the incident.

## Social Media Comments and Cross-Examination Rights

Justice Adams brought up a post from Lanez’s Instagram that was included in the trial. Lanez’s lawyer claimed he did not author a comment denying a different shooting narrative. Keller argued that the jury had the context needed to evaluate that comment’s significance.

## Conclusion of the Hearing

In closing arguments, Morgan insisted that evidence was inadequate for a guilty verdict, stating ambiguity surrounding the shooting remains. The judges decided to deliberate without revealing when a ruling on the appeal would be made.

Tory Lanez, 33, is currently serving a **10-year prison sentence** for his role in the incident that left Megan with gunshot wounds. His appeal contends that several errors occurred during the trial process—including improper evidence admission and jury instruction failures.

### Megan’s Testimony

Megan’s detailed account during the trial captured the intense emotional toll following the shooting. She expressed feeling villainized and detailed her ordeal, emphasizing the profound impact it had on her life.

## Witness Accounts

Witness testimony from a nearby resident described the chaotic scene preceding the gunfire. Although the individual did not see a weapon, he noted observing Lanez firing shots during the altercation.

## Final Notes

Lanez did not attend the appeal hearing, as he is currently housed at California Men’s Colony following a prior assault in prison. As the legal proceedings continue, what do you think the outcome will be for Lanez’s appeal?