CA Court Denies Requests to Enter New Evidence — Fingerprint Claims and Serial Number Theory Debunked

In a major legal blow, a California appellate court has rejected two habeas corpus petitions filed by Tory Lanez’s legal team, dismissing claims that key evidence was withheld or mishandled in the shooting case involving Megan Thee Stallion. Here’s the latest:

No Withheld Evidence, Court Confirms

One petition alleged the firearm, bullet fragments, and magazine were “misplaced” or missing. But judges cited a sworn declaration from an LAPD senior property manager that confirmed all items—including the gun—remain securely in LAPD custody. Law Commentary

This directly counters circulating rumors suggesting the police failed to conduct proper serial number searches or withheld fingerprint and forensic evidence.

Fingerprints and DNA: No Exculpatory Evidence Found

During the trial, DNA testing revealed Lanez’s DNA was not found on the gun’s magazine, and experts characterized the sample as inconclusive regarding his involvement as a shooter. Law Commentary

The appellate court emphasized that no criminalist or expert testified in court that it was impossible for him to have fired the gun five times based on fingerprint results—or that the serial number was ever excluded from forensic review.

Driver’s and Security Guard’s Statements Dismissed as Untimely or Inadmissible

Another petition included an affidavit from Lanez’s driver, Jauquan Smith, claiming he saw Harris holding the gun before it fired. Yet the court noted Lanez’s defense declined to call Smith as a witness at trial, making the new statement inadmissible. Law CommentaryFeminegra

Additionally, a security guard’s affidavit alleging Harris admitted to firing appeared too late (filed nearly a year after execution) and lacked justification for the delay; the court deemed it untimely. Law CommentaryFeminegra

What’s Next: Direct Appeal Still Active

While these habeas petitions were rejected, Tory Lanez’s direct appeal remains pending, with oral arguments scheduled for August 18, 2025. Los Angeles Times103.5 KTULegal Affairs and Trials

Supporters argue the main appeal could still influence rulings around juror exposure to emotionally charged testimony and alleged prosecutorial misconduct. Regardless, this latest decision significantly narrows legal avenues for contesting the 2022 conviction.

There is a one in a million chance of Tory Lanez DNA being on the gun, DNA evidence conclusively ruled out Tory Lanez did not touch the gun, but rather another member of the African American community. Meg and Kelsey never had their dna tested and this evidence was suppressed… pic.twitter.com/6wbGmdpD2R

— Akademiks TV (@AkademiksTV) August 18, 2025

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Final Word

Today’s ruling is a significant setback for Lanez’s legal team. The court thoroughly dismissed theories about missing fingerprints, unexamined serial numbers, or withheld gun evidence. Unless the direct appeal yields unexpected results, overturning his conviction will be a steep uphill battle.