Tory Lanez’s Attacker Santino Casio Claims Self-Defense in Prison Stabbing Incident–Says He Belives Tory Put A Hit Out On Him!

In a shocking twist out of California Correctional Institution, the inmate accused of stabbing rapper Tory Lanez is now speaking out—and he says it was self-defense!

According to reports from TMZ, 42-year-old Santino Casio, a convicted killer, is taking full responsibility for the May 12th prison attack that left Lanez with 14 stab wounds, including collapsed lungs—but insists it wasn’t premeditated. Instead, he claims the violent encounter was triggered by rumors that Tory had allegedly put a hit out on him behind bars.

In a recorded phone call obtained by the outlet, Casio says he acted out of fear after hearing Tory wanted him harmed—and had even “paid to get the job done.” He alleges that when he saw Tory in person, he noticed a lump in his pocket that he believed was a weapon. That’s when he decided to strike.

“I thought he was gonna kill me first,” Casio reportedly said. “So I moved before he could.”

Interestingly, Casio also claims that he was stabbed in the leg during the scuffle—making him believe that Tory did have a weapon on him after all.

What makes the case even more unsettling is that Casio and Lanez lived in neighboring cells and, according to Casio, had maintained a civil relationship up until the attack.

Where Things Stand Now:

Prison officials have since launched an internal investigation into the altercation, with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation vowing to examine their safety protocols to prevent further violence behind bars.

Tory Lanez—real name Daystar Peterson—was serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The Canadian artist had been pursuing an appeal prior to the stabbing, though it remains unclear if this incident will affect the legal process moving forward.

Lanez was rushed to the hospital following the attack and was later reported to be in stable condition. His legal team has not yet released an official statement.

Noir Nation, what are your thoughts? Is this a case of paranoia gone too far—or something deeper bubbling beneath the surface? Let us know.