New Orleans rapper C-Murder's murder trial begins

GRETNA, La. — Opening arguments are under way in the murder trial of Corey Miller, a New Orleans rapper known as C-Murder.

It took only two days to seat 12 jurors and two alternates before testimony began Wednesday, although the defense had argued it would be impossible to get a fair jury in Jefferson Parish, where the slaying took place.

Miller is charged with second-degree murder in the Jan. 12, 2002, death of 16-year-old Steve Thomas, a fan who was shot in a now-closed nightclub.

If convicted of the charge, the 38-year-old Miller could face life in prison.

Miller was found guilty of the charge earlier, but a judge overturned the conviction, siding with defense attorneys who said prosecutors improperly withheld the criminal backgrounds of three key witnesses.