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Louisiana Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects C‑Murder Rehearing, Ending State Appeals

The ruling confirms he has exhausted state collateral review, leaving only difficult federal avenues.

Overview

  • All seven justices rejected his latest application on Feb. 3, citing rules that bar successive state post‑conviction filings.
  • Miller, 54, is serving a life sentence for a 2009 second‑degree murder conviction in the 2002 killing of 16‑year‑old Steven Thomas at a Harvey nightclub.
  • His recent petition relied on 2018 recantations by witnesses Kenneth and Darnell Jordan and on claims of mishandled DNA evidence.
  • Supporters point to a purported affidavit and audio from a Georgia inmate claiming responsibility, assertions courts have not credited.
  • Louisiana appellate courts previously upheld the conviction in 2011 and 2012, and any federal bid would face steep hurdles given the weight courts place on recantations.