The individual, identified by prison authorities as Santino Casio, who allegedly inflicted multiple stab wounds on Tory Lanez, claims he believed the rapper was attempting to take his life. Casio asserts that he received information suggesting that Lanez had placed a bounty on him, which led him to perceive the situation as a matter of self-defense, prompting his drastic actions.

In a recorded prison phone conversation, Casio, who is already serving a life sentence, acknowledged the stabbing incident involving Lanez but insists that the circumstances surrounding it are more complex than they may seem on the surface. His account sheds light on the chaotic environment of prison life, where rumors and fears can escalate tensions dramatically.

Casio revealed that he had heard unsettling whispers circulating through the prison about a supposed bounty placed on him by Lanez. Shortly after these rumors, he encountered Lanez and noticed what he believed to be a suspicious bulge in the rapper’s pocket. This perception, coupled with the prior gossip, led him to suspect that Lanez might be armed, which prompted Casio to act preemptively.

In a frenzied moment of fear and confusion, Casio confronted Lanez, delivering a series of blows and ultimately stabbing him 14 times. Despite the violent nature of his actions, Casio maintains that his intent was not to kill Lanez, but rather to defend himself against what he perceived as an imminent threat.

Reflecting on the incident, Casio expressed surprise at the unexpected turn of events, particularly given that he and Lanez had previously maintained a friendly relationship while incarcerated at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. Their past camaraderie complicates the narrative, highlighting how quickly relationships can sour in the high-stakes environment of prison.

Casio also indicated that he did not emerge from the encounter unscathed, claiming to have sustained a stab wound to his leg during the altercation. This injury further corroborates his belief that Lanez was indeed armed, adding a layer of complexity to his self-defense claim.

When asked about his feelings regarding the incident, Casio’s response was mixed. He conveyed a sense of regret, yet his demeanor suggested he was not entirely remorseful for his actions, indicating a complicated emotional landscape following such a violent encounter.

As previously reported, Lanez suffered a total of 14 stab wounds during the incident, including 7 to his back, 4 to his torso, and 3 to his head. Following the attack, he was swiftly transported to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment but has since been returned to the prison facility, where he remains under scrutiny.

The aftermath of this violent episode has drawn significant public interest, with notable figures expressing their support for Lanez. Celebrities such as Drake and Representative Anna Paulina Luna have publicly advocated for California Governor Gavin Newsom to consider granting a pardon to Lanez in connection with the 2020 shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion that led to his current incarceration.

In response to the attack, Lanez’s legal team issued a statement describing the stabbing as a brutal and savage act, emphasizing the severe threat to his safety while behind bars. They contend that claims to the contrary, especially from individuals like Casio who is serving a life sentence for serious offenses, are unfounded and an egregious misrepresentation of the facts.

Furthermore, Lanez’s attorneys assert his innocence regarding the charges leading to his imprisonment, characterizing his ongoing confinement as not only a miscarriage of justice but also a direct threat to his safety. They are calling for his immediate release to ensure his well-being and justice.