Rapper Tory Lanez Sues California Prison System for $100 Million Over Stabbing by Inmate

Lanez claims he should not have been housed with an inmate who attacked him in 2025.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:21am

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of a shattered, glittering glass surface, conceptually representing the violent attack on the celebrity rapper.The violent attack on rapper Tory Lanez while in prison has exposed vulnerabilities in the California correctional system's ability to protect high-profile inmates.Los Angeles Today

Rapper Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking $100 million in damages against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Lanez alleges he was stabbed 16 times in an 'unprovoked life-threatening attack' by a fellow inmate named Santino Casio while incarcerated at a prison in Tehachapi, California in 2025. Lanez claims prison officials were negligent in housing him with Casio, who had a history of violent offenses.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights ongoing issues with inmate safety and prison security, especially for high-profile inmates who may be targeted. It also raises questions about the California prison system's policies for housing inmates and protecting vulnerable prisoners from violence.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Lanez was stabbed in the back, torso, head and face by Casio, who used a homemade 'shank' in the attack. Lanez suffered a collapsed lung and had to be airlifted to a hospital. The lawsuit alleges that correctional officers' response was slow and that no special measures were used to stop the attack. Casio is serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder, and had previous convictions for assault and manufacturing a deadly weapon.

  • Lanez was attacked on May 12, 2025 while incarcerated at a prison in Tehachapi, California.
  • Lanez was later transferred to the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo County.

The players

Tory Lanez

A 33-year-old rapper whose legal name is Daystar Peterson. He is serving a 10-year sentence for shooting hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet.

Santino Casio

An inmate serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. He has a history of violent offenses, including assault by a prisoner with a deadly weapon and manufacturing a deadly weapon.

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

The state agency responsible for managing California's prison system, which is being sued by Lanez.

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What they’re saying

“The choice to house Casio with Peterson was known or should have been a known danger.”

— Tory Lanez, Plaintiff

What’s next

The lawsuit is currently pending, and it remains to be seen how the California prison system will respond to Lanez's allegations. The outcome of this case could have implications for inmate safety policies and procedures across the state's correctional facilities.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety and security in prisons, especially for high-profile inmates who may be targeted by other prisoners. The lawsuit raises important questions about the responsibility of prison authorities to protect vulnerable inmates from violence and the potential consequences of failing to do so.