Tehachapi, CA – Might 24, 2025 – The inmate accused of stabbing rapper Tory Lanez 14 instances in a California jail has come ahead with a startling declare: he believed Lanez had positioned a bounty on his life and acted in self-defense. Santino Casio, 42, a convicted assassin serving a life sentence, instructed TMZ in a jail telephone name that rumors of Lanez concentrating on him led to the violent altercation on Might 12, 2025, on the California Correctional Establishment (CCI) in Tehachapi. The incident, which left Lanez with collapsed lungs and critical accidents, has reignited debates about jail security and Lanez’s ongoing authorized battles.

A Violent Encounter Rooted in Worry

In response to Casio, the assault occurred after he heard from different inmates that Lanez, whose actual title is Daystar Peterson, had positioned a “bounty” on his head. “There was phrase on the yard that Tory had a bounty on me,” Casio mentioned, claiming he felt unsafe and acted preemptively when he observed a “lump” in Lanez’s pocket, which he believed was a shank. “I believed he had one thing in there, perhaps a weapon. So I acted earlier than he may,” Casio instructed TMZ. He additionally claimed he sustained a stab wound to his leg in the course of the incident, suggesting Lanez was armed and fought again, although Lanez’s workforce denies this, asserting he posed no risk.

The assault passed off round 7:20 a.m. on Might 12 in a housing unit at CCI, the place Lanez, 32, is serving a 10-year sentence for capturing Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. Lanez was stabbed seven instances within the again, 4 within the torso, two at the back of his head, and one on the left aspect of his face, in accordance with an announcement on his Instagram. He was airlifted to Kern Medical Hospital in essential situation after each lungs collapsed however has since returned to jail, reportedly recovering “remarkably properly,” per his father, Sonstar Peterson. Casio has been positioned in restricted housing because the CCI Investigative Companies Unit and Kern County District Lawyer’s Workplace examine.

Casio’s Felony Historical past and Jail Context

Santino Casio has been incarcerated since February 2004, serving a life sentence with the potential of parole for second-degree homicide, first-degree tried homicide, private use of a lethal weapon, and inflicting nice bodily harm. His document consists of further in-prison offenses: a six-year sentence in 2008 for assault with a lethal weapon and a two-year sentence in 2018 for possession and manufacture of a lethal weapon. These priors paint an image of a unstable particular person, which Lanez’s authorized workforce, Unite The Individuals, has cited as proof of the “clear and current hazard” he faces in jail.

Casio’s declare of a bounty lacks corroboration, and Lanez’s workforce has dismissed it as baseless, calling the assault “savage and ferocious.” A submit on X by @AkademiksTV urged the stabbing adopted the invention of “proof of Tory being harmless” within the Megan Thee Stallion case, although no concrete proof helps this declare. The rumor, if true, might have fueled tensions within the jail, the place misinformation can escalate rapidly. Casio expressed partial contrition however stopped wanting a full apology, telling TMZ he acted out of concern for his life.

Lanez’s Authorized Battles and Public Assist

Lanez’s stabbing has drawn important consideration, with supporters like Drake and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna calling for a pardon from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Lanez, convicted in December 2022 of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and negligent discharge of a firearm, has maintained his innocence within the 2020 capturing of Megan Thee Stallion. His authorized workforce claims new proof—a driver who alleges Megan’s former buddy Kelsey Harris fired the gun—may exonerate him, although Megan’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, dismissed this as irrelevant, stating the case was “correctly adjudicated” in court docket.

Megan Thee Stallion, whose authorized title is Megan Pete, has confronted ongoing harassment allegations towards Lanez, resulting in a restraining order prolonged till 2030. She testified in 2022 that the capturing and its aftermath triggered extreme emotional misery, stating, “I want he would have simply shot and killed me, if I knew I must undergo this torture.” Lanez’s workforce continues to enchantment his conviction, arguing his jail circumstances are unsafe.

The incident highlights the hazards of jail environments, the place rumors and perceived threats can result in violence. Casio’s declare of a bounty underscores how misinformation can spiral, whereas Lanez’s accidents—14 stab wounds and collapsed lungs—elevate questions on safety at CCI. The investigation might make clear whether or not Casio’s fears have been justified or if the assault was unprovoked, however for now, Lanez’s supporters are rallying for his launch, citing each the stabbing and alleged new proof in his case.

Because the authorized and public battles proceed, Lanez’s ordeal stays a flashpoint within the hip-hop neighborhood, with social media reflecting polarized views. The result of the investigation and Lanez’s enchantment may have lasting implications for his case and the broader dialog round jail security and justice.