Corey “C-Murder” Miller remains persistent in his pursuit to overturn his 2009 murder conviction of 16-year-old Steve Thomas, as confirmed by recent legal developments.
Despite facing repeated denials over the past 14 years, Miller, through his attorney Jane Hogan, has filed another appeal after U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance rejected his habeas petition on November 14, 2023.
In a continuous effort to challenge the conviction, Miller and his attorney submitted the necessary paperwork on November 24, 2023, to commence the appeal process. The legal documents state, “NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Petitioner, Corey Miller, appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit from the District Court’s decision rendered on November 14, 2023, dismissing Petitioner’s Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus. R. Doc. 14.” Additionally, Miller requests the court to grant him a Certificate of Appealability.
This marks another chapter in Miller’s prolonged legal battle. In 2019, Judge Steven Enright of the 24th Judicial District Court rejected the credibility of two witnesses’ recantations, stating they were insufficient to overturn Miller’s conviction. Enright emphasized that Miller failed to meet the burden of proof for post-conviction relief.
Despite efforts by Attorney Paul Barker to advocate for the dismissal of Miller’s conviction or, at the very least, secure a new hearing, the court remained steadfast in its decision.
Enright asserted that recantations, unless under rare circumstances, should not be the basis for a new trial, deeming them highly suspicious and potentially tantamount to perjury. The judge emphasized the importance of maintaining the credibility of witnesses, particularly when considering testimony changes over time.
