Ruling Could Put 3rd-Degree Murder Charge in Play for Ex-Cop

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal of a former Minneapolis police officer who is trying to block a third-degree murder charge from being reinstated in George Floyd's death.

At issue is whether the conviction of another former police officer in an unrelated case established a precedent for prosecutors to restore a third-degree murder charge against Derek Chauvin that the trial judge dismissed earlier.

The high court's decision left open the possibility that the judge could add the charge back -- and lessened the chances that his trial would be delayed.

Judge Peter Cahill told attorneys they'll discuss next steps Thursday morning.