Adnan Syed’s murder conviction has been reinstated following a ruling by Maryland’s Supreme Court. Syed had been released in 2022 when a circuit court judge vacated his conviction for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Hae Min Lee. However, in March 2023, an appeals court reversed this decision, determining that the lower court had not provided sufficient notice to Young Lee, Hae Min Lee’s brother, about the hearing that led to Syed’s release.
The Supreme Court of Maryland affirmed this ruling in a 4-3 decision, stating that the lower court “worked an injustice” by not adequately informing Young Lee. As a result of this ruling, the case will return to a lower court for a new hearing regarding the validity of Syed’s murder conviction. Importantly, the court’s decision does not alter Syed’s current release status, allowing him to remain free while his case is reassessed.
Syed’s attorney, Erica Suter, expressed her strong disagreement with the court’s decision, arguing that although it may be final, the reasoning behind it is flawed. She emphasized their commitment to continue fighting for Syed’s exoneration, stating her belief that justice will ultimately be served.
Adnan Syed and Hae Min Lee were classmates in Baltimore County, Maryland, when Lee disappeared in January 1999. Her body was discovered weeks later, prompting accusations against Syed, who prosecutors claimed was motivated by jealousy over Lee’s new relationship after their breakup. The case garnered widespread attention through the Serial podcast and an HBO docuseries, both of which raised questions about the evidence used to convict Syed, including unreliable cell phone tower data and inconsistent witness testimony.
Despite the controversy surrounding the case, the Lee family has maintained their belief in Syed’s guilt and opposed his release. Young Lee had expressed a desire to attend the hearing that ultimately led to Syed’s release but was unable to do so on short notice. His rights were defended by Syed’s attorney, who noted that he participated via video.
Young Lee poignantly remarked during the 2022 hearing, “This isn’t a podcast for me. It’s real life.”