L’Observateur / January 13, 1999

EDGARD – The St. John the Baptist courthouse was abuzz Monday morning,as famed attorney Johnnie Cochran was in town.

Cochran, a one-time defense attorney for accused murderer O.J. Simpson,argued the case of Corey Miller (also known in rap music circles as “C- Murder”) before 40th Judicial District Judge J. Sterling Snowdy.Miller, 28, of Baton Rouge, was being tried on charges stemming from a March 24, 1998 incident on Interstate 10 in St. John the Baptist Parish.Miller was on Interstate 10 at 1:50 a.m., while a Louisiana State Policehelicopter was checking for speeders. He was spotted at 80 mph on theinterstate and troopers pulled the 1994 Chevrolet pickup truck over. Whenhe was asked to step out of the vehicle, troopers noticed a tell-tale bulge in his waistband and found a 9mm semiautomatic pistol.

Miller was placed on the ground and searched, and the troopers found he was also wearing body armor. In Louisiana, only commissioned lawenforcement officers are permitted to wear body armor.

A computer check determined the truck was reported stolen more than a month earlier in Orleans Parish. Also, Miller had an outstanding warrantfor issuing worthless checks in Jefferson Parish.

He was booked in LaPlace and charged with speeding, unlawful use of body armor, possession of stolen property and illegal possession of a firearm, plus the outstanding attachment.

Cochran successfully argued before Snowdy that Miller was in fear of his life due to violence and deaths in the rap music industry, hence the body armor.

Miller ended up pleading guilty to illegal carrying of a weapon and paid a $500 fine. He also received six months’ probation.Cochran and Miller left Edgard by lunchtime.

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