Maryland Supreme Court to Review ‘Serial’ Podcast Subject’s Murder Conviction

The Maryland Supreme Court to Review Adnan Syed’s Case

After spending over 20 years in prison for the murder of his high school girlfriend, Hae Min Lee, Adnan Syed had his charges dropped in October. However, his conviction was abruptly reinstated after the victim’s brother argued that their family wasn’t properly notified of the hearing that led to Syed’s release. Now, the Maryland Supreme Court will review the case.

A Controversial Decision

In a 2-1 decision, an appellate court ruled that a lower court had violated the victim’s family’s right to attend a critical hearing about vacating Syed’s conviction. The court ordered the hearing to be held again, resulting in the reinstatement of the original convictions and sentence.

Seeking Answers and Justice

Both Syed and his attorney, Erica Suter, expressed their empathy for the victim’s family, acknowledging their suffering. However, Suter argued that the family shouldn’t have an active role in the hearing, emphasizing that their impact shouldn’t influence the court’s decision.

A Case of Withheld Evidence

Syed’s murder conviction was overturned in September after doubts were raised about his guilt in the popular “Serial” podcast. Prosecutors revealed the existence of other suspects and concerns about the evidence used against Syed. It was discovered that authorities knew of at least one alternate suspect prior to his trial but withheld the information from the defense, constituting a Brady violation.

The Tragic Story

Hae Min Lee was found strangled to death and buried in Leakin Park near Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of 18. Syed, her ex-boyfriend at the time, allegedly had an argument with her in a car before committing the murder. Prosecutors claimed that Syed couldn’t handle Lee breaking up with him.

Fighting for Innocence

Syed has always maintained his innocence, and his attorney argued that if the withheld evidence had been disclosed, he might not have spent 23 years in prison, missing out on important milestones and everyday moments of joy.

The appellate court panel has given both parties 60 days to assess how to proceed in response to their decision.

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