Tory Lanez Suspected Stabber Claims He Thought Rapper Planned to Attack Him

The man responsible for stabbing rapper Tory Lanez multiple times inside a California prison is now claiming he acted in self-defense—believing Tory had allegedly put a bounty on his head.

Santino Casio, who is already serving a life sentence at the California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi, spoke out in a prison phone interview, admitting to the stabbing but insisting it wasn’t an unprovoked attack.

“I heard Tory put a price on my head,” Casio claimed. “When I saw a lump in his pocket, I thought it was a weapon.” Acting on that suspicion, Casio says he lunged at Tory, stabbing him 14 times—but insisted he wasn’t trying to kill him.

The attack left Tory Lanez with 7 stab wounds to the back, 4 to the torso, and 3 to the head. He was rushed to a hospital and has since returned to prison. Casio says he was also wounded, suffering a stab wound to his leg, which he claims proves Tory was armed, though officials have not confirmed that.

The two men reportedly had a “cool” relationship before the incident, having lived in neighboring cells. Despite the brutal assault, Casio’s tone during the interview was more reflective than remorseful—showing slight regret, but stopping short of a full apology.

Meanwhile, Tory’s legal team is sounding the alarm.

“The recent attempt on his life was savage and ferocious,” a spokesperson said. “Tory faces a clear and present danger in prison. His continued confinement is a miscarriage of justice and a threat to his safety.”

Supporters including Drake and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna have urged California Governor Gavin Newsom to pardon Lanez for his 2020 conviction in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting, citing safety concerns following the stabbing.

As the investigation continues, the violent incident raises deeper questions about prison safety—and whether Tory Lanez can survive behind bars.