Current Status? #
In March, 2022 prosecutors agreed to improved DNA testing. Those test results persuaded prosecutors in Baltimore to drop charges against Adnan Syed.
Adnan’s conviction was vacated on September 19, 2022. He was released from prison that day. The Lee family appealed over lack of adequate notice. The appeals court reinstated the conviction.
In May Maryland’s highest court put the reinstatement of that conviction on hold.
What’s new on the Wiki? #
Check out Adnan Syed’s petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court. Syed asked the Supreme Court to hear his appeal from Maryland’s highest court denying him a new trial. Three amicus briefs were filed on his behalf: The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The Innocence Network and the Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center, and Martin Tankleff and 38 Other Wrongfully Convicted Individuals. The State of Maryland filed a brief in opposition, and Syed’s team filed a reply. Details can be found on the Appeals page. The Supreme Court declined to hear Syed’s appeal on November 25, 2019.
The 2018 request to test DNA and report of DNA testing show no forensic connection between Adnan and the crime scene.
Check out our NEW page on The Case Against Adnan Syed, a four-part documentary that aired on HBO in March 2019.
What’s the Current Status of the Adnan Syed Case? #
The Court of Appeals of Maryland denied Adnan Syed a new trial on March 8, 2019. Syed filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court, asking the Supreme Court to overrule the Maryland court. Maryland filed a brief opposing Syed’s petition, and Syed’s team filed a reply. The Supreme Court declined to hear Syed’s appeal in November 2019.
Adnan Syed remains in prison.
What Happens Next? #
Evidence Prof has a blog entry on possible next steps.
