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PRIVATE STOCK NEWS: PURPLE EDITION

Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Tonight's Private Stock News: Purple Edition featured two critical justice reform stories affecting both incarcerated and free citizens across Louisiana and the nation.

LEAD STORY: HELMSTETTER SUPREME COURT PETITION

Our lead story covered Marlo Helmstetter's petition to the Supreme Court challenging how federal courts handle compassionate release requests. Helmstetter's case argues that seven circuit courts, including the Fifth Circuit, are improperly denying relief by only considering sentencing factors without first determining if "extraordinary and compelling reasons" exist - a clear requirement in the statute.

If successful, this petition could establish uniform standards benefiting thousands of incarcerated individuals seeking relief under the First Step Act's compassionate release provisions. Helmstetter's attorneys are urging public support to ensure the justice system follows its own rules when evaluating second chances.

SECOND STORY: LOUISIANA SPLIT JURY BILL FACES FINAL PUSH

Our second story followed the continuing battle over Louisiana's non-unanimous jury verdicts. With just one month remaining in the legislative session, advocates are making a final push to revive Senate Bill 218, which was rejected last week by Republican state senators in a 9-26 party-line vote.

The bill would create a path for approximately 1,000 Louisiana inmates convicted by non-unanimous juries to seek new trials, including Corey "C-Murder" Miller, who continues fighting for freedom after being convicted by a 10-2 jury verdict in 2009.

Despite the Supreme Court ruling split jury verdicts unconstitutional in 2020, Louisiana remains the only state refusing to apply this ruling retroactively. Senator Royce Duplessis, who authored the bill, emphasized that rejecting this measure suggests "justice has an expiration date."

Private Stock News: Purple Edition will continue following both these critical justice reform issues in the days ahead.

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Welcome to Private Stock News: Purple Edition — your trusted, independent audio news source where truth, justice, and culture intersect. We go beyond the headlines to uncover the stories that often go unreported or underreported — across justice, entertainment, government, business, and the vital institutions that shape the lives of both incarcerated and free citizens.

Rooted in purpose and driven by impact, Purple Edition is a groundbreaking platform that bridges the gap between the system and the streets — from courthouse corridors to community centers, prison walls to political boardrooms. We shine a light on the real issues and voices that mainstream media too often ignores.

In our latest coverage, we highlight the significant progress made on 10-2, when a key reform measure passed through floor deliberations with majority support. This marks a pivotal step forward in the fight for institutional accountability and justice reform — a signal that momentum is building on the legislative front.

What sets us apart is our unfiltered, on-the-ground storytelling — informed by experience, backed by truth, and connected to a larger movement for visibility, equity, and transformation. Whether it’s breaking news, deep-dive investigative reports, cultural insights, or personal testimonies, every episode is committed to one thing: telling the stories that matter, and giving voice to those who need to be heard.

We’re here daily with narratives that challenge, inspire, and inform — because in the Purple Edition, the news is personal, the stakes are real, and the mission is clear.

Louisiana residents — we need your voice. Nearly 1,000 people remain in prison today because they were convicted by non-unanimous (10-2) juries — a Jim Crow-era law that has been ruled unconstitutional but still haunts our state. The time to fix this injustice is NOW.

A bill is moving through the Legislature that would give these individuals a chance at a fair retrial — but it won’t pass unless lawmakers hear from YOU.

Contact State Senator J. Cameron Henry, Jr. TODAY and urge him to VOTE YES on legislation that allows retrials for those convicted by split juries.

Here's how to reach him:

Phone: (504) 838-5433
Fax: [Use only if needed – number not listed]
Email: shenryc@legis.la.gov
District Office:
2573 Metairie Road, Suite C
Metairie, LA 70001

What to Say or Write:

Dear Senator Henry,
I'm a Louisiana resident asking you to support legislation that gives people convicted by non-unanimous juries a chance at a fair trial. This is a matter of justice, fairness, and integrity for our state. Please vote YES and help Louisiana move forward."

Be respectful. Be firm. Be heard.
This is your chance to stand up for truth, fairness, and equal justice under the law. Share this message and take action today.

This is Private Stock News: Purple Edition. News that matters. Stories that count. Voices that rise.

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Louisiana Senate Committee Passes Landmark Bill That Could Reopen Corey Miller's Conviction along with countless others under this jim crow law

Take action now. Urge your senator to vote YES on SB218 and help bring fairness back to Louisiana’s justice system. Visit @justices promise or use the Promise of Justice Initiative’s letter-writing tool to send your message of support.

This is a pivotal moment—your voice matters.

SUMMARY

In a landmark decision, the Louisiana Senate Committee has voted 5-1 to advance Senate Bill 218, potentially opening the door for hundreds of individuals convicted by non-unanimous juries to seek justice. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Royce Duplessis, specifically targets convictions made under Louisiana's controversial Jim Crow-era 10-2 jury verdict law. This legislation could directly impact cases like Corey Miller's, where a split jury (10-2) secured his conviction despite the absence of physical evidence. If passed, SB218 would take effect August 1, 2025, creating a clear pathway for post-conviction relief for those convicted by non-unanimous juries. The bill's strong committee support signals a potential shift in Louisiana's approach to addressing historical injustices in its criminal justice system, particularly those rooted in Jim Crow-era laws. The legislation now moves to the full Senate floor for consideration, marking a crucial step toward potential reform.