In a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding rapper Tory Lanez, new evidence has emerged that raises questions about his conviction for the 2020 shooting of fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion. The revelations come from Bradley James, a bodyguard who claims to have been present during pivotal moments of the trial. He asserts that Kelsey Harris, a key witness and friend of Megan Thee Stallion, admitted to having fired the gun during the incident, contradicting Lanez’s conviction.
During a recent appearance with Unite the People, James disclosed that he had overheard Harris stating she had fired the gun three times, suggesting that Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, never touched or fired the weapon. This assertion aligns with testimony given by another witness, Shawn Kelly, who testified at the trial that he witnessed a physical altercation involving two women and heard gunshots coming from the passenger side of the vehicle, where Harris was seated.
The case has been criticized for several irregularities, including the failure to collect DNA samples from other potential suspects present in the vehicle at the time of the incident. While Lanez’s DNA was taken from the firearm, it remains unclear why DNA samples from Harris and the vehicle’s driver, Jquan Smith, were not collected. Legal experts have pointed out that such practices are typically standard procedure in crime scene investigations.
Additionally, the circumstances surrounding Harris’s police interview have raised eyebrows. A record label executive, who was neither a family member nor a lawyer, was reportedly allowed to participate in the interview, a situation that many legal analysts consider highly unusual.
Giano Caldwell, founder of the Caldwell Institute and a legal analyst, has also expressed concerns regarding the prosecution led by former District Attorney George Gascon, asserting that there were significant biases that may have influenced the trial’s outcome. Caldwell has called for Lanez’s conviction to be revisited, especially in light of the recent evidence and inconsistencies in the trial process. He described the situation as a potential miscarriage of justice, emphasizing the dire consequences that could arise if Lanez remains incarcerated for a crime he did not commit.
As Lanez continues to maintain his innocence, he faces a dire situation in prison, having recently been stabbed multiple times by another inmate, leading to serious health complications. This incident has intensified concerns regarding his safety and the repercussions of his conviction.
While the new claims made by James and the ongoing discussions about the trial’s irregularities may open the door for an appeal or further legal scrutiny, it remains uncertain how the courts will respond to these developments. Megan Thee Stallion’s legal team and Harris have not publicly commented on these allegations at this time.
The unfolding narrative raises significant questions about the integrity of the judicial process in this case and may ultimately lead to a reevaluation of Lanez’s conviction. As the situation develops, it will be essential for all parties involved to address the emerging evidence and its implications for justice.