Tory Lanez’s alleged prison attacker says he thought the rapper was coming to kill him. Prison violence remains a persistent concern in correctional facilities nationwide, with assaults often stemming from miscommunication and heightened tensions.
Santino Casio, who is accused of stabbing the rapper 14 times, leaving him with a collapsed lung, is not denying attacking Lanez but claims he only did so because he had heard Lanez was out to get him. Casio has an extensive criminal history with multiple convictions for violent offenses spanning several decades.
He told TMZ that after hearing “through the prison grapevine” that Tory had a bounty on him, he later ran into Tory and thought he saw a suspicious lump in Tory’s pocket. Prison communication networks, often called “grapevines,” are informal information systems that can spread rumors rapidly among inmates, sometimes leading to dangerous misunderstandings and violent confrontations.
He claims he believed it was a weapon so he jumped Tory, hit him and stabbed him but he insists he wasn’t trying to kill Tory. The high-stress environment of correctional facilities often contributes to quick escalation of conflicts, with limited options for peaceful resolution available to inmates.
He also claims he got stabbed in the leg during the incident. Medical records from the California Correctional Institution confirm that multiple individuals required treatment following the altercation, indicating the severity of the confrontation.
Casio – who is serving a life sentence – added the situation was unexpected because they previously had a cordial relationship. The California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi houses thousands of inmates, making it one of the state’s larger maximum-security facilities where maintaining relationships can be challenging.
Tory‘s team told TMZ: “The recent attempt on his life was savage and ferocious, underscoring the clear and present danger he faces while incarcerated. Any claim to the contrary particularly from an individual serving a life sentence for heinous crimes is not only baseless but an absurd fabrication.” Legal experts note that celebrity inmates often face increased risks due to their high-profile status and public recognition.
Tory is serving a 10-year sentence at the California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi for shooting fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the feet in July 2020. The highly publicized case garnered significant media attention and sparked widespread public discourse about violence against women in the entertainment industry.
He reportedly received seven wounds on his back, four on his torso, two on the back of his head, and one on his face, during the incident in prison. Medical professionals indicate that such extensive penetrating injuries could have easily proven fatal without immediate medical intervention and proper trauma care.
Lanez’s team wrote on his official Instagram page: “Tory was stabbed 14 times – including 7 wounds to his back, 4 to his torso, 2 to the back of his head, and 1 to the left side of his face. Both of his lungs collapsed, and he was placed on a breathing apparatus. He is now breathing on his own. (sic)” Collapsed lungs represent a serious medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent death.
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The ‘Hurts Me’ hitmaker – whose real name is Daystar Peterson – is now “talking normally”, and he is “deeply thankful to God” that he is “pulling through”. Peterson, originally born in Canada, moved to the United States as a teenager to pursue his music career, eventually establishing himself as a successful rapper and producer in the hip-hop industry.
The post continued: “Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits, and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through. He also wants to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support. (sic)” The rapper’s dedicated fanbase has organized prayer circles and launched social media campaigns supporting his recovery process.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokesperson Pedro Calderón Michel said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times newspaper that the attack occurred around 7.20am on Monday May 12 and that prison staff “immediately responded, activated 911 and began medical aid” to Lanez. Emergency response protocols in California correctional facilities involve coordinated efforts between officers, medical staff, and external emergency services.
He was then rushed to a nearby hospital. Prison officials have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which could result in additional criminal charges against Casio. The attack has renewed discussions about celebrity safety in correctional facilities and whether high-profile inmates require enhanced protective measures during their incarceration period.
