Adnan Syed, the 17-year-old whose 2000 murder conviction for the killing of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee gained national fame through the Serial podcast, will not return to prison. On March 6, Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer of Baltimore City Circuit Court ruled that, thanks to the Juvenile Restoration Act—which applies to those convicted as adults for crimes committed as minors—Syed’s sentence would be reduced.
The judge noted that Syed had no prior criminal record before Lee’s death and maintained an excellent record during his 23 years in prison. Despite strong objections from Lee’s family, who argue that his claim of innocence shows no remorse, the judge concluded that he no longer poses a danger to the public. As a result, he is being sentenced to the time he has already served, along with five years of probation.
Syed’s case has seen many twists. His original conviction was vacated in 2016 after the Serial podcast brought new evidence to light. Although his conviction was reinstated by Maryland’s highest court in 2019 and later reversed in 2022, it was then re-upheld following a procedural issue involving notification of an appeals hearing. Despite all these legal battles, the latest ruling now means Syed remains free.
Lee’s family, however, remains unconvinced. In a statement, they emphasized that no new evidence undermines the conviction and that Syed should take full responsibility for his crime.
Years after their romance began at Woodlawn High School and ended in tragedy when Lee’s body was found 27 days after her disappearance, the case continues to stir strong emotions.
