The US Supreme Court has denied an appeal from former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin, upholding his conviction for the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in April 2021, triggering widespread protests and national outcry over police brutality and racial injustice.

Chauvin's appeal argued that he did not receive a fair trial due to a potential bias among jurors who may have been influenced by the fear of further protests and violence if an acquittal were granted. His lawyers also claimed that a change of venue should have been granted, citing pervasively adverse publicity surrounding the case.

The former officer's conviction resulted in a sentence of 22 1/2 years in prison, surpassing the state's guidelines of 10 years and eight months to 15 years. Additionally, Chauvin pleaded guilty to federal charges for violating Floyd's civil rights, resulting in an additional 21-year sentence to be served concurrently with his state sentence.

The Supreme Court's rejection of Chauvin's appeal was made without comment or a recorded vote, thereby upholding the previous verdict. It demonstrates that the court found no basis to overturn the conviction or reconsider the circumstances surrounding the trial.

The killing of George Floyd occurred when Chauvin, while on duty, kneeled on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis. This act, captured on video and circulated widely, sparked widespread outrage and months of protests against systemic racism and police brutality.

In response to the news, CNN reached out for comment from Chauvin's attorney, Floyd family attorney Ben Crump, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Their responses are yet to be obtained.

With the Supreme Court's rejection of Chauvin's appeal, the conviction stands firm, serving as a significant precedent in the ongoing fight against racial injustice and the demand for accountability for police officers involved in cases of excessive force. The decision also sends a message that instances of police misconduct will be thoroughly examined and victims' rights will be prioritized in the pursuit of justice.