Adnan Syed, known from the true-crime podcast Serial, won’t serve more jail time after his resentencing for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Hae Min Lee. A Baltimore judge decided that Syed “is not a danger to the public” and that a reduced sentence was in the “interests of justice.”
Syed was convicted back in 2000 for Lee’s murder, which took place in 1999. His case drew significant public attention, partly due to the Serial podcast that raised questions about the evidence and legal representation he received during his trial.
Although Syed’s conviction still stands, the resentencing was possible under a law aimed at helping individuals convicted as minors who have spent over 20 years in prison. Judge Jennifer Schiffer announced her decision in court recently, allowing Syed, who is now 43, to remain free.
Syed and Lee were classmates in Maryland. Lee vanished in January 1999, and her body was discovered three weeks later. At the time of her death, Syed was just 17 years old. Prosecutors claimed that jealousy over Lee’s new relationship led to the murder.
The podcast Serial, which premiered in 2014, played a key role in shining a light on Syed’s case. It attracted millions of listeners and sparked discussions about the reliability of evidence and potential flaws in his defense. Supporters of Syed even contributed over $80,000 to fund his legal battles.
In 2022, prosecutors admitted that Syed had been wrongfully convicted, leading to his release. However, in 2023, a court reinstated his conviction when it was found that the victim’s brother hadn’t received proper notice about the court hearing that cleared Syed.
Thanks to the recent ruling, Syed remains free. Since 2022, he has been navigating life outside prison walls after spending years behind bars.
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