ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal of a former nurse convicted of searching out suicidal people in online chat rooms and encouraging them to commit suicide.

William Melchert-Dinkel (MEHL'-kurt DINK'-uhl) of Faribault (FAYR'-boh) was convicted in 2011 on two counts of aiding suicide. The Minnesota Court of Appeals in July rejected his argument that he was merely practicing free speech.

In an order Tuesday, the state Supreme Court agreed to review the case. A date for oral arguments has not been set.

Melchert-Dinkel was convicted in the deaths of 32-year-old Mark Drybrough, of Coventry, England, and 18-year-old Nadia Kajouji, of Brampton, Ontario, in 2008.

Melchert-Dinkel faces about a year in jail unless his conviction is overturned. He remains free pending appeal.