Tory Lanez, a hip-hop artist facing sentencing for the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, has requested probation and enrollment in a drug treatment program. His attorneys, Jose Baez and Ed Welbourn, filed a 41-page memo highlighting the rapper’s struggles with alcoholism and traumatic upbringing, which they claim contributed to his actions.

According to the memo, a psychologist who met with Tory in jail last month reported on his traumatic childhood, including violence, abuse, grief, and neglect, which led to alcohol problems. The death of his mother at a young age and living in challenging environments further affected his mental state. Even after achieving success in the music industry, Tory continued using alcohol and marijuana as coping mechanisms for unresolved childhood traumas.

Although the evidence against him resulted in a conviction, his lawyers argue that his alcohol use disorder significantly influenced the offense. The memo also emphasizes Tory’s charitable and community efforts, asserting that he poses a low risk of violent recidivism.

Despite being presumptively ineligible for probation due to aggravating circumstances, Tory’s attorneys believe his case is unusual and that justice would best be served with probation. If probation is not granted, they request a lower prison term of three years in alignment with district attorney policies.

The prosecution previously recommended a 13-year prison sentence, highlighting Tory’s callousness and indifference towards human life and how his online posts re-traumatized Megan Thee Stallion and emboldened his followers.

Tory Lanez’s sentencing is scheduled for Monday (August 7) at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Los Angeles.