Prosecutors move to vacate conviction of “Serial” podcast subject Adnan Syed

Baltimore officials said Wednesday that they have filed a motion to vacate the conviction of Adnan Syed, the subject of the popular podcast “Serial” who was convicted in February 2000 for killing his ex-girlfriend. Officials on Wednesday requested another trial and said new evidence casts doubt on Syed’s prior conviction.  

Syed was found guilty in 1999 of killing 17-year-old Hae Min Lee and was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years. 

“Since the inception of my administration, my prosecutors have been sworn to not only aggressively advocate on behalf of the victims of crime, but in the pursuit of justice, — when the evidence exists— to correct the wrongs of the past where doubt is evident,” Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said in a statement announcing the decision. 

“For that reason, after a nearly year-long investigation reviewing the facts of this case, Syed deserves a new trial where he is adequately represented and the latest evidence can be presented,” Mosby added. 

The statement emphasized that this does not mean prosecutors have determined that Syed is innocent — but said that “considering the totality of the circumstances, the State lacks confidence in the integrity of the conviction.” 

This is a developing story. It will be updated.