ProPublica and Verite News investigated the case of Lloyd Gray, a Black man sentenced to life in Louisiana due to a non-unanimous jury verdict in 1980. Louisiana allowed such verdicts for over a century, disproportionately impacting Black defendants like Gray. In 2020, the Supreme Court deemed the practice unconstitutional, but Louisiana refused to apply the ruling retroactively. A swastika found on Gray's case file highlights potential racial bias in his prosecution. Gray, who had a happy childhood marred by early exposure to racism, maintains his innocence. His attorneys argue the swastika and dissenting Black jurors demonstrate racial bias warranting a sentence reconsideration. Initially, the New Orleans District Attorney's Office considered a plea deal for Gray's release. However, Louisiana legislation, supported by Governor Landry, blocked paths to freedom for those convicted by split juries. This legislation prevented the District Attorney from finalizing a plea deal for Gray. Gray remains imprisoned after 45 years, with his fate awaiting a court hearing in October.