But it had to be more than one "conservative" justice who voted not to hear the case. I say this because of this that I found:
The Supreme Court decides to hear a case based on at least four of the nine Justices of the Supreme Court agreeing to grant the Petition for Certiorari. If four Justices agree to grant the petition, the Supreme Court will consider the case. ... A petition for Writ Certiorari is a request that the court hear your case.
Post 8 makes it sound as though one justice can sink your
case. This is likely the justice who is in charge of your circuit. Maryland is in the 4th circuit. Roberts is in charge of that one.
Now if it gets past that stage then it takes 4 votes?