Tory Lanez Sues Prison for $1 Million Per Stab Wound After Inmate Attack

The musician claims prison officials failed to protect him when he was stabbed 16 times by another inmate.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:40am

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An extreme close-up of shattered, jagged glass and twisted metal textures in dramatic high-contrast lighting, conveying the violence and trauma of the prison assault on Tory Lanez.The violent prison attack on musician Tory Lanez has left him with permanent physical and emotional scars.San Luis Obispo Today

Tory Lanez, who is currently serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, has filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections seeking $100 million in damages. Lanez claims he was stabbed 16 times by another inmate using a homemade shank while incarcerated at CCI Tehachapi in May 2025, and that prison officials failed to protect him. Lanez is asking for $1 million per stab wound, as well as additional damages for emotional trauma, damage to his reputation, and an ongoing safety risk.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issues of violence and lack of safety within the U.S. prison system, as well as the challenges faced by high-profile inmates. Lanez's lawsuit raises questions about the responsibility of correctional facilities to protect vulnerable prisoners, especially those with celebrity status who may be targeted.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Lanez suffered stab wounds to his back, torso, head and face, as well as two collapsed lungs and permanent scarring. The lawsuit claims the prison officials knew the inmate who attacked Lanez, Santino Casio, was dangerous, as he was serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. Lanez believes he was targeted due to his celebrity status, and claims guards were not immediately present when the attack occurred.

  • In May 2025, Lanez was stabbed 16 times by inmate Santino Casio at CCI Tehachapi.
  • Lanez is currently serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.

The players

Tory Lanez

A musician who is currently serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.

Santino Casio

An inmate serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, who allegedly stabbed Lanez 16 times with a homemade shank.

California Department of Corrections

The state agency that operates the prison system in California, which Lanez is suing for failing to protect him from the inmate attack.

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What’s next

The California Department of Corrections has not yet responded to the lawsuit, and there has not been a finding of liability.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issues of violence and lack of safety within the U.S. prison system, as well as the challenges faced by high-profile inmates. Lanez's lawsuit raises questions about the responsibility of correctional facilities to protect vulnerable prisoners, especially those with celebrity status who may be targeted.