U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from Georgia death row inmate

Supreme Court rejects Troy Davis appealSTORY HIGHLIGHTSThe justices turned aside without comment two appeals from Troy DavisThe action likely sets the stage for the state to set another execution dateThe ruling is latest in case that is procedurally complex but, legally, a simple innocence claim Washington (CNN) -- The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a condemned Georgia inmate's request that his execution be delayed as he attempts to prove his "actual innocence."

The justices without comment on Monday turned aside separate appeals from Troy Davis, likely setting the stage for the state to set another execution date.

Davis has gained international support for his long-standing claim he did not murder a Savannah police officer more than two decades ago. Monday's ruling is the latest in a case that is procedurally complex but, legally, a simple claim of innocence.

Davis was granted a stay of execution by the U.S. Supreme Court two hours before he was to be put to death in 2008, and the court in 2009 ordered the federal District Court to take another look at the case.

That court, after holding a hearing to review evidence, ruled in August that Davis "failed to show actual innocence" in the case. The District Court suggested that, for procedural reasons, Davis should take his appeal of its ruling directly to the Supreme Court.

CNN Supreme Court Producer Bill Mears contributed to this report.

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