The Louisiana Supreme Court has ignited fresh outrage by rejecting rapper Corey “C-Murder” Miller‘s latest appeal on February 3, 2026, ignoring claims of recanted testimonies and alleged witness tampering that supporters say could prove his innocence in the 2002 murder case. The unanimous denial has left the hip-hop icon facing life behind bars forever, prompting cries of a rigged system and buried evidence.

billboard.com

thefader.com

In a brief ruling, the seven justices declared Miller had exhausted state collateral review options, finding no exceptional circumstances to warrant another hearing. This follows prior denials in 2011 and 2012, locking in his 2009 second-degree murder conviction and mandatory life sentence without parole at Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola).

lailluminator.com

theadvocate.com

The case revolves around the January 12, 2002, shooting of 16-year-old Steve Thomas outside Platinum Club in Harvey, Jefferson Parish. Thomas died from a chest wound during a brawl involving Miller and associates. A 2003 mistrial preceded the 2009 retrial conviction. Miller insists he is innocent, pointing to post-trial recantations where witnesses claimed pressure or coercion to testify against him.

nola.com

xxlmag.com

Critics argue the court overlooked these recantations and inconsistencies in evidence, including disputed ballistics and DNA. Supporters, including family and fans, call it a cover-up, questioning why new affidavits and changed stories weren’t enough to trigger review. “Is this justice or a rigged system?” has become a rallying cry online.

hiphopwired.com

Master P Speaks Out About Frustrations With C-Murder

Born Corey Miller in 1971, the New Orleans native built fame with No Limit Records alongside brother Master P, dropping hits on albums like Life or Death (1998) and Bossalinie (1999). Incarcerated since 2002 (with brief bail periods), he released music from prison and advocated for change.

bet.com

theadvocate.com

At Angola—one of America’s toughest prisons—Miller endures harsh conditions far from his former stardom. Louisiana’s life-without-parole rule for murder offers no automatic release, making this denial potentially final unless federal courts intervene or clemency is granted.

cnn.com

thelensnola.org

The ruling has the rap world reeling, with social media exploding in anger and demands for #FreeCMurder. Many see it as the end of hope, while others vow continued fights. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision stands: no more state reviews, leaving C-Murder trapped in a system many call broken.