Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced on Tuesday that murder charges against Adnan Syed have been officially dropped. This decision follows the revelation of new DNA evidence that does not match Syed, who was convicted in the 1999 murder of his former girlfriend, Hae Min Lee.
Syed, now 41, was released from prison on September 19 after a Baltimore City Circuit Court judge vacated his conviction. He had served 23 years of a life sentence for the crime, which he committed as a 17-year-old student at Woodlawn High School.
During a press conference, Mosby emphasized her commitment to justice, stating, "It's my duty to ensure justice is not delayed, justice is never denied, but justice be done. Today justice is done." She also noted that the investigation is ongoing and has identified two other potential suspects in the case.
The DNA evidence in question was analyzed using new technology and was taken from Lee’s shoes, leading to the conclusion that Syed was not involved. This case has drawn significant public interest, particularly due to its coverage in the popular true crime podcast “Serial.”
Attorney Steve Kelly, representing the Lee family, expressed disappointment over the State’s Attorney's decision to drop the charges without prior notice to the family or their attorney. He criticized the move as an attempt to silence the family's need for answers.
In contrast, Syed's attorney, Erica Suter, who leads the Innocence Project in Maryland, celebrated the decision as a long-awaited vindication for her client. She extended her condolences to the Lee family and expressed hope that the ongoing investigation would provide them with closure.
Suter also indicated plans to collaborate with Mosby to file for Syed's certification of innocence in the near future.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WYPR (source).
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