Tory Lanez is still in prison in 2026, serving a 10-year sentence at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020. His appeal was rejected by a California appellate court in February 2026, and he is not expected to be released until approximately 2033.
Who Is Tory Lanez?
Tory Lanez, born Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson on July 27, 1992, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, is a rapper, singer, and record producer. He rose to fame with a versatile discography spanning hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall, releasing successful projects including I Told You (2016) and Chixtape 5 (2019). At his peak, he was one of the most streamed artists in the world, known for high-energy performances and prolific output. His career came to an abrupt halt following a shooting incident involving fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020.
What Did Tory Lanez Do?
In the early hours of July 12, 2020, Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion were passengers in an SUV in the Hollywood Hills following a party at Kylie Jenner’s home. An altercation occurred, and Megan was shot multiple times in the feet. Lanez was alleged to have been the shooter. Megan later went public with details of the shooting, identifying Lanez as the perpetrator. Lanez denied the allegations and implied that others were responsible. The incident became one of the most high-profile celebrity criminal cases in years, drawing significant media and public attention throughout the trial process.
Trial and Conviction
Tory Lanez was charged with assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and negligent discharge of a firearm. His trial began in Los Angeles in December 2022. Over the course of several weeks, the jury heard testimony from Megan Thee Stallion, who described the events of that night in detail. Lanez’s defense argued that another individual in the vehicle was responsible for the shooting. The jury deliberated and returned guilty verdicts on all three counts on December 23, 2022. He was remanded into custody following the verdict.
Sentencing and Prison Placement
On August 7, 2023, Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in California state prison by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Herriford. The judge rejected arguments from the defense that the sentence was excessive and cited the seriousness of the offense and Lanez’s conduct throughout the proceedings. Lanez was also ordered to be deported to Canada following the completion of his sentence, given his Canadian citizenship. He was placed at the California Men’s Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo, a medium-security state prison. Based on the length of his sentence and standard California sentencing rules, his earliest projected release date is around 2033, accounting for good behavior credits. For more on how the US prison system handles celebrity inmates, see our guide to federal vs state prison.
2026 Appeal Rejection and Current Status
Tory Lanez’s legal team filed an appeal challenging the conviction on multiple grounds, including claims of juror misconduct and evidentiary issues. In February 2026, a California appellate court rejected the appeal, upholding the conviction on all counts. The ruling significantly reduced the likelihood of Lanez being released before the end of his sentence. His attorneys indicated they were reviewing further options, but no additional appeals had been filed at the time of the ruling. As of March 2026, Lanez remains incarcerated at the California Men’s Colony and continues to serve his 10-year sentence. He has maintained contact with fans through his team’s social media accounts and released pre-recorded music from prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tory Lanez still in prison in 2026?
Yes. Tory Lanez is still in prison in 2026. He is serving a 10-year sentence at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo following his conviction for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. His appeal was rejected in February 2026.
When will Tory Lanez be released from prison?
Tory Lanez is not expected to be released until approximately 2033, based on his 10-year sentence handed down in August 2023 and standard California sentence reduction credits for good behavior. His February 2026 appeal rejection means his release date has not been moved forward.
What prison is Tory Lanez in?
Tory Lanez is held at the California Men’s Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo, California. It is a medium-security state prison operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
What was Tory Lanez convicted of?
Tory Lanez was convicted of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and negligent discharge of a firearm. All three counts related to the July 2020 shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the Hollywood Hills.
Will Tory Lanez be deported after prison?
Yes. As part of his sentencing in August 2023, Tory Lanez was ordered to be deported to Canada upon completion of his prison sentence. Lanez is a Canadian citizen, born in Brampton, Ontario. He does not hold US citizenship.