On Monday, September 19, a Baltimore judge passed a motion overturning Adnan Syed’s 1999 murder conviction and releasing him from prison.
The name Adnan Syed rose to relative fame with the release of the hit podcast “Serial.” The 12-episode podcast was hosted by Sarah Koenig and chronicled the details of Hae Min Lee’s murder.
Over the course of the season, Koenig described several suspects’ whereabouts, potential alibis, leading evidence, and Lee’s movements of the day. Koenig refused to come to any conclusions about Syed’s guilt or innocence, instead advocating for the lack of evidence at hand despite his conviction in court.
This past week, the courts apparently agreed.
Circuit court judge Melissa Phinn ruled that the state of Maryland’s prior ruling violated its legal obligations. The state refused to share potentially exculpating evidence Syed with Syed’s defense team, undermining their ability to argue his case.
Due to these oversights, Phinn released Syed from prison. Syed has now been released on home detention with GPS monitoring. The state has 30 days to decide whether to dismiss the case or pursue a new trial in light of new evidence.
Upon his release, Syed was photographed smiling as he was guided through a crowd of reporters and supporters to a waiting vehicle.
The case of Hae Min Lee’s death in February of 1999 remains mysterious. Lee was strangled to death when she was only 18 years old. Her body was found in Leakin Park in Baltimore, Maryland.
Syed and Lee had recently broken up around the time of her death. Because of their split, many immediately suspected Syed of her murder, despite flimsy evidence. Syed’s first trial in December of 1999 resulted in a mistrial. His second trial in February of 2000 resulted in his conviction. He was sentenced to life in prison.
For over twenty-two years later, Syed remained steadfast about his innocence. Serial’s release in 2014 drew national attention to his case. Professionals in ranging fields scrutinized the evidence. Doubt emerged about the reliability of the evidence cited in his conviction.
Lawyer, activist, and close friend of Adnan’s Rabia Chaudry commented on the case: “Every piece of forensic evidence collected pointed to Adnan’s innocence. From the hairs found on Lee’s body, which did not match Adnan, to the dozens of soil samples taken from his clothing, shoes, car and room, which returned negative results for matching soil from Leakin Park.”
Over the years, many like Chaudry and Koenig continued advocating for reconsideration of Syed’s case. Unfortunately, the state, the Maryland supreme court, and the U.S. supreme court denied Syed a retrial.
Only last week was Syed granted a reprieve. New evidence that undermines Syed’s conviction was brought to the court’s attention. Two new suspects have been identified. “Star witness” Jay Wild’s statement still doesn’t add up. Moreover, the cell tower data used to place Syed’s location at the time of the murder was revealed to be unreliable.
While Syed’s freedom has not been guaranteed, the new updates in his case inspire optimism in many. Sarah Koenig remarked, “the chances of the state ever trying to prosecute Adnan again are remote at best.”
Interested in reading more about the latest in legal issues? Click here to read about the anti-monarchist protester who was arrested at the Queen’s funeral this Monday.
