Master P says jailed brother C-Murder 'should have been free' after Kim Kardashian calls for his release
Kim Kardashian West is continuing her criminal justice reform mission by working to free Corey Miller, a rapper who she believes was wrongfully convicted for murder and sentenced to a lifetime behind bars.
Miller, 49, who went by the stage name C-Murder, is the younger brother of rap star Master P and rose to fame in the '90s as a member of hip hop group TRU before starting a solo career. He was arrested in 2002 after 16-year-old Steve Thomas was shot to death in New Orleans, and a jury voted 10-2 in favor of sentencing the rapper to life in prison.
"If his trial was today, the jury would have had to be unanimous for him to be convicted," Kardashian West, 39, tweeted Sunday, adding she did not intend to "open up this painful wound" for Thomas' family. "True justice for the young man requires that the person who actually killed him be held responsible and that Corey Miller he returned home to his kids."
The reality star announced Sunday she would partner with singer Monica, who previously dated the rapper and has maintained his innocence since his conviction, and the Reform Alliance, an organization fighting for criminal justice reform founded by Jay-Z, Meek Mill and Van Jones.
"That's just not the person I know, and I know for a fact that he's innocent," Monica told ABC News in 2003.
Master P, 53, born Percy Miller, said in a new video obtained by TMZ Tuesday that he was appreciative of those who were speaking up for his brother, though he was unsure about how the state of Louisiana would respond because it "has a lot of corruption."
"My whole thing is on getting my brother home, so whatever anybody does that's going to support that that plug, I appreciate it," he said. "I know that Kim Kardashian and all these other people are coming to the table, I appreciate it. Whatever we can do to get my brother home – that's what it's about. ... It's just a blessing that people understand that my brother is innocent. He should have been free."
Kardashian West suggested she was inspired in part by new evidence of Miller's "potential innocence" and "claims of jurors being pressured into voting to convict." Two years ago, a key witness who originally claimed to see Miller shoot Thomas said in an affidavit that he lied during the testimony.
Monica opened up about "locking arms" with Kardashian West and "all those who believe in Corey and are ready to fight" after promising Miller she would "seek help" with his case.
"@cmurder & I are bonded by truth, honesty & Loyalty," Monica wrote. "I explained why I KNEW Corey was innocent... I shared that There are lots of issues in Corey’s case that speak to his innocence including witnesses recanting their testimony, dna not matching & a 10-2 jury! Corey deserves to come home to his girls and be the father they need, be the artist & leader he’s always been as well as spread hope to those who have also experienced this."
Miller has three daughters: Chelsea, Courtney and Chanelle.
Kim Kardashian visits White House, thanks Trump for commuting sentences of 'three really deserving women'
In recent years, Kardashian West has delved into the world of criminal justice reform and announced she would pursue a law degree. She told told reporters at the Television Critics Association in January that becoming a mother inspired her to start working on issues surrounding mass incarceration.
"I’m raising four black children that could face a situation like any of the people that I help," she said. "Just to know I can make a difference in my children’s lives and (others) by helping fix a broken system, that’s so motivating for me."
Contributing: Kelly Lawler
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kim Kardashian aims to free rapper C-Murder after new evidence emerges
