Baltimore prosecutors have filed a movement searching for a brand new trial for Adnan Syed, whose homicide conviction was the topic of the massively well-liked Serial podcast.
Syed was 17 when he was sentenced to life in jail for the 1999 homicide of his girlfriend Hae Min Lee.
He has maintained his innocence and been interesting his conviction for years – with the case first delivered to world consideration by the 2014 hit podcast, which raised doubts about Syed’s guilt.
After serving greater than 20 years in jail, he may now be launched, pending a brand new trial.
Serial steered proof unearthed from witness Asia McClain may have corroborated Syed’s account he was within the library on the time of the killing.
The movement filed right this moment in assist of a brand new trial for Syed revealed new info relating to two various suspects.
It is claimed proof that pointed to 2 different individuals – together with one who threatened to kill the sufferer – was not disclosed to Syed’s defence attorneys on the time of his unique trial.
According to the trial file, one of many suspects stated “He would make her [Ms. Lee] disappear. He would kill her.”
Both have been recognized to the police since 1999, based on a courtroom submitting.
New info additionally revealed that one of many suspects was convicted of attacking a lady in her automobile and that one of many suspects was convicted of partaking in serial rape and sexual assault.
The sufferer’s automobile was additionally discovered immediately behind the home of one of many suspect’s members of the family.
Unreliable and inconsistent witness testimony
The state additionally acknowledged considerations that the conviction was based mostly totally on one witness’s unreliable and inconsistent testimony that was corroborated by inaccurate and deceptive forensic proof.
Much of Mr. Syed’s unique trial hinged on cellphone knowledge data, which corroborated a few of Jay Wilds’ testimony relating to Syed’s whereabouts all through the day. However, the discover on the data particularly suggested that the billing places for incoming calls “would not be considered reliable information for location”.
Despite this discover, prosecutors used the billing location for incoming requires precisely that function – to show that the defendant was in a specific space at a specific time.
“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,” State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
She stated prosecutors have spoken with the household of Ms. Hae Min Lee.
Read extra: Serial and The Case Against Adnan Syed
Request that Syed is launched
If the courtroom grants this movement, it’s going to successfully put Mr. Syed in a brand new trial standing – his convictions shall be vacated however the case stays lively.
“Whether the state ultimately continues with a trial in this matter or dismisses the charges will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation,” the submitting stated.
“The State will be requesting that defendant be released on his own recognizance or bail pending the investigation should this court grant the instant motion.”
Prosecutors will not be saying Syed is harmless however stated “the State no longer has confidence in the integrity of the conviction”.
“Given the stunning lack of reliable evidence implicating Mr. Syed, coupled with increasing evidence pointing to other suspects, this unjust conviction cannot stand,” stated Assistant Public Defender Erica Suter, Mr. Syed’s legal professional and, Director of the Innocence Project Clinic.
“Mr. Syed is grateful that this information has finally seen the light of day and looks forward to his day in court.”
Source: information.sky.com”