Baltimore Prosecutor Withdraws Motion To Vacate Adnan Syed's Conviction

Adnan Syed, standing with his mother Shamim Rahman, talks with reporters outside Maryland's Supreme Court in Annapolis, Md., Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, following arguments in an appeal by Syed, whose con

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates has made a significant decision regarding the murder conviction of Adnan Syed, a case that gained national attention through the 'Serial' podcast over a decade ago. Bates recently withdrew a motion to vacate Syed’s conviction that was filed in 2022 by his predecessor Marilyn Mosby, citing 'false and misleading statements' in the original motion.

Syed was convicted in 2000 for the 1999 murder of his high school classmate and ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee. The 'Serial' podcast in 2014 raised doubts about the conviction and Syed’s legal representation. Although Syed's conviction was vacated in 2022 and he was released, legal challenges ensued, leading to the recent developments.

Last August, the Maryland Supreme Court reinstated Syed’s conviction, emphasizing that the rights of Lee’s family were violated due to improper notification of a hearing in 2022. Bates, who assumed office in 2023, had to decide whether to continue the efforts initiated by his predecessor.

While Bates found flaws in Mosby’s motion, his office did not assess the credibility of the case against Syed. Bates highlighted that Syed could pursue other legal avenues to prove his innocence despite the recent decision.

Adnan Syed was convicted in 2000 for the 1999 murder of his high school classmate.

State's Attorney Ivan Bates withdraws motion to vacate Adnan Syed's murder conviction.

Maryland Supreme Court reinstated Syed's conviction due to improper notification of a hearing.

Syed’s attorney, Erica J. Suter, expressed disappointment in the reversal, stating that the current state’s attorney 'got it wrong.' Suter vowed to continue fighting to clear Syed’s name through available legal channels.

Currently, the focus is on a sentence reduction hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Syed’s legal team filed a motion under the Juvenile Restoration Act, seeking a reduced sentence for Syed, who was a minor at the time of the crime. Prosecutors have supported the motion, proposing a modification to Syed’s life sentence that could lead to his freedom if granted.

Despite the legal battles and uncertainties, Syed remains steadfast in professing his innocence and is focused on rebuilding his life after spending 23 years in prison. The outcome of Wednesday’s hearing will determine the next chapter in this long-standing case.