BOSTON — A single justice of the highest court in Massachusetts has denied prosecutors' request to reinstate the murder conviction of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez.
The conviction in the 2013 fatal shooting of Odin Lloyd was voided by a Superior Court judge in May because Hernandez killed himself in prison. Under Massachusetts legal principle, courts typically erase the convictions of defendants who die before their direct appeals can be heard.
Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn III in July filed an appeal with a single justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, saying erasing the conviction would undermine the public's trust in jury verdicts.
In a brief ruling issued Friday, Justice David Lowy said Quinn's request is "exercised only in exceptional circumstances."
Quinn's office did not immediately return a call for comment Monday.
WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE TRIAL:
[ Wednesday, March 1: "Hernandez portrayed as hothead, wrongly accused" ]
[ Thursday, March 2: "Graphic descriptions dominate Hernandez trial testimony" ]
[ Friday, March 3: "Jurors in Aaron Hernandez murder trial see site of killings" ]
Monday, March 6: " Defense in Hernandez double murder trial claims new evidence"
[ Tuesday, March 7: "Camera ordered off after capturing Hernandez juror as graphic photos are shown" ]
[ Wednesday, March 8: "Cameras allowed back in court, bouncer testifies" ]
[ Thursday, March 9: "Shooting survivor, bouncer back on stand in Hernandez murder trial" ]
Friday, March 10: "Defense calls for mistrial in Aaron Hernandez double murder trial"
Monday, March 13: "Impending nor'easter forces brief delay in Hernandez trial"
NO COURT TUESDAY, MARCH 14
[ Wednesday, March 15: Tattoo artist testifies about bullets, 'God Forgives' ]
[ Thursday, March 16: "Criminalist: No way to connect Aaron Hernandez to gun by DNA evidence" ]
Friday, March 17: "Jury hears from tattoo artist, sees photos from Hernandez's phone"
[ Monday, March 20: "Key witness takes stand at Hernandez trial" ]
[ Tuesday, March 21: "Alexander Bradley testifies for second day at Hernandez trial" ]
[ Wednesday, March 22: "Alexander Bradley testifies for third straight day at Hernandez trial" ]
[ Thursday, March 23: "Aaron Hernandez's former friend testifies for fourth day" ]
NO COURT FRIDAY, MARCH 24
[ Monday, March 28: Bears player calls Hernandez 'my guy' at double-murder trial ]
[ Tuesday, March 28: "Hernandez's former friends, Florida investigators take the stand" ]
[ Wednesday, March 29: "Forensics consultant details victims' gunshot wounds" ]
[ Thursday, March 30: "Shayanna Jenkins testifies at Aaron Hernandez double murder trial" ]
[ Friday, March 31: "Prosecution could rest soon in Aaron Hernandez double murder trial" ]
[ Monday, April 3: "Hernandez defense makes its case in double murder trial" ]
[ Tuesday, April 4: "Aaron Hernandez's lawyers prepare for final days of double murder trial" ]