Rapper Tory Lanez Sues California Prison System for $100M Over Stabbing

Lanez claims he was unlawfully housed with an inmate who attacked him in a 'life-threatening' assault.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:51am

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An extreme close-up of a metal shank or homemade prison weapon, its sharp edges and jagged texture dramatically illuminated by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying the gritty, sudden violence of the assault.A violent prison attack on a high-profile inmate raises concerns about safety protocols in California's correctional system.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 unlawfully housed with a fellow inmate who stabbed him 16 times in a 'life-threatening attack' last year while he was incarcerated.

Why it matters

The lawsuit raises concerns about inmate safety and the duty of care for high-profile prisoners in the California prison system. Lanez's case highlights potential lapses in prisoner classification, housing assignments, and response protocols that may have contributed to the violent assault.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Lanez was stabbed 16 times in the back, torso, head and face by inmate Santino Casio, who used a homemade 'shank' in the 'unprovoked' attack. Lanez suffered a collapsed lung and had to be airlifted to a hospital. The lawsuit alleges that prison officials 'knew or should have known' that housing Casio, who has a history of violent offenses, with Lanez posed a danger due to the rapper's 'high-profile celebrity status' which made him a target.

  • The attack occurred on May 12, 2025 while Lanez was 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, who is serving a 10-year sentence for shooting hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion.

Santino Casio

An inmate serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder, who 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 Lanez's incarceration and the safety of inmates in its custody.

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What’s next

The lawsuit is seeking $100 million in damages from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. It remains to be seen how the agency will respond to the allegations and whether any criminal charges will be filed against Casio for the assault.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for robust prisoner classification, housing assignment, and response protocols in the California prison system to protect high-profile inmates and prevent violent attacks, especially when housing inmates with a history of violent offenses.