Adnan Syed, known from the ‘Serial‘ podcast, will remain free following a Baltimore judge’s decision on Thursday (March 6). Judge Jennifer Schiffer granted Syed a sentence reduction to time served, allowing him to stay out of prison. Syed’s conviction for the 1999 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Hae Min Lee, was vacated in 2022, but later reinstated by Maryland’s Supreme Court due to procedural issues. Despite this, Judge Schiffer ruled that Syed is not a danger to the public and that justice is better served with a reduced sentence.
Syed’s attorneys filed for the sentence reduction under Maryland’s Juvenile Restoration Act, which allows individuals convicted as minors and who have served at least 20 years to seek reduced sentences. Syed, who was 17 at the time of the crime, served nearly 24 years. The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office supported the reduction, although Lee’s family opposed it.
The case gained national attention in 2014 when the ‘Serial’ podcast raised questions about Syed’s conviction and legal representation. The decision marks a significant moment in Syed’s ongoing legal battle, though it does not address his claims of innocence. Syed remains on supervised release for five years under the new ruling.
Recent Comments