A Southern California prison was the scene of a shocking early morning attack that left rapper Tory Lanez fighting for his life, and the man allegedly behind the brutal beating has been outed. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) named the alleged assailant as 41-year-old Santino Casio, a convicted killer with prior violent disciplinary history. This record appears to be the harbinger of the most monstrous prison life. Casio is serving life in California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, where the attack took place.
Lanez, who is currently serving time for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot in 2020, was extravagantly stabbed 14 times during the attack. The attack happened in a housing unit, officials said and was so serious both of Lanez’s lungs collapsed. The Canadian artist was hit seven times in the back, four times in the torso, twice in the back of his head, and once in his face.
It’s not like violence is an unfamiliar companion of Casio. His criminal history is lengthy and dates back to a 2004 conviction for second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. While in prison, he’s been steadily adding to his criminal record with assaults ranging from a 2008 stabbing, which will keep him behind bars for six more years, to weapons manufacturing in 2018, adding another two years. Officials said Nikolas Casio was violent and disruptive, almost routine.
After the attack on Lanez, Casio was immediately transferred to the SHU. The attack and why it occurred at the maximum-security prison is currently under full, joint investigation by CDCR and Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
Despite the brutal nature of the attack, there is a silver lining. Lanez is reported to be in stable condition. A recent update to his Instagram account sounded a tone of gratitude and resilience: “Although he is in pain, he has spoken no differently than how he shall speak when he returns,” read the note, which concluded, “He is in excellent spirits and very thankful to God for a swift and full recovery.”
Sources tell us the rapid-thinking staff at the prison performed emergency treatment at the facility before Lanez was transported to an outside hospital for additional medical attention.
The episode forces more serious scrutiny of inmate safety, especially for high-profile prisoners like Lanez, whose visibility can make them targets while incarcerated. It also shines a stark light on the ongoing cycle of violence faced by other correctional facilities, particularly those that house prisoners like Casio, who remain dangerous even while serving a life sentence.
As the investigation progresses, danger can strike in the blink of an eye, even within the heavily fortified walls of a state prison. Not even celebrity status necessarily confers protection when violence comes calling.
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