The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the appeals of two women who were convicted of killing one of their husbands on a lonely road south of Lake Charles.

Carol Noland Saltzman, 47, and Robyn Little Davis, 52, were convicted of second-degree murder in May 2012 in the death of Brian Davis. Brian Davis’ body was found at the end of Wagon Wheel Lane on July 1, 2009.

Defense attorneys Glen Vamvoras and Shane Hinch appealed the verdict, first to the state 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal, then to the state Supreme Court, before asking the U.S. Supreme Court to examine the case. The Supreme Court announced its decision Monday.

“We are gratified by the court’s decision,” prosecutor Carla Sigler said.

The defense attorneys asked the high court to consider issues related to a continuance granted after a jury was picked, but not sworn in, in 2011. Judge David Ritchie granted the continuance when prosecutor Rick Bryant fell ill. The original jurors were recalled, but were eventually dismissed and a new jury chosen.

Because a witness, detective Roxanne Baumgartner, was not expected to be available during the original trial date, her videotaped testimony was taken and items were entered into evidence before the continuance was granted.

Vamvoras and Hinch contended that double jeopardy occurred when the case was tried with a new jury and that the prosecution was allowed an unfair advantage because it was able to re-examine evidence.

“That’s disappointing,” Vamvoras said. “I thought they would take a look at the double jeopardy issue. I thought that was one that would draw the issue of the federal courts. Obviously not.”

Hinch acknowledged that few cases are heard by the U.S. Supreme Court and even fewer are granted relief.

“I’m disappointed that they chose not to hear it,” Hinch said. “To say it was a long shot is putting it mildly. At this point we’ll have to regroup and see what other action we can take.”

Prosecutors said the women killed Brian Davis to collect on $645,000 in life insurance policies. The defense contended that the evidence was insufficient to point to the two women as the killers. After three hours of deliberation, the jury voted 11-1 to convict the women in May 2012.

The case generated significant interest, with some national TV shows running segments on the two women. Both women are serving life sentences. Vamvoras and Hinch said the next step will be post-conviction relief.(MGNonline)