MD Supreme Court Hears 'Serial' Subject Adnan Syed's Case: Reports

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Adnan Syed, whose murder conviction in the 1999 slaying of Hae Min Lee remains in limbo, appeared before the Maryland Supreme Court on Thursday in an appeal that could determine whether he remains free or returns to jail, according to reports.

The Baltimore Banner reported that the Maryland Supreme Court was scheduled to hear Syed's case Thursday morning at the Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building in Annapolis. The court will issue an opinion at a later date, according to the Banner.

Syed, whose case was documented on the hit podcast "Serial," was released from prison more than a year ago after a Baltimore Circuit Court judge vacated his conviction in September 2022. Prosecutors dropped all charges against Syed in October.

Syed, who was found guilty of killing Hae Min Lee in 2000, spent more than 20 years in prison for her death.

The court reinstated Syed's conviction in March and ordered a redo of the hearing at which Syed's conviction was vacated. The panel ruled that a circuit court judge violated the rights of Hae Min Lee's brother, Young Lee, who claimed he did not receive proper notice and was denied the right to be heard at the hearing.

In May, Syed's attorneys petitioned the Maryland Supreme Court to review the lower court's ruling to reinstate his murder conviction. In the petition, his attorneys sought an evaluation of several factors in the case, including Young Lee's claims.

Shortly after, Lee's family also petitioned the court to hear an appeal of the case. In the filing, the family's lawyer asked the state's highest court to take up the appeal to ensure victims are given a "meaningful voice."

In a June decision, the state Supreme Court agreed to hear both appeals.

Syed has maintained his innocence in Lee's death. Speaking to reporters last month, Syed made a personal appeal to Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown to investigate possible prosecutorial misconduct in his case; however, Brown quickly denied Syed's request.

Outside the courthouse after the hearing, Syed said he was looking forward to the court's decision and expressed concern for the family of Hae Min Lee.

"We believe very strongly in trying to find justice for Hae and her family," he told reporters. "And we're hoping also that we're able to find justice for us, too."

He attended the hearing flanked by family members, including his mom and younger brother.

As the case drags on, Syed will remain free while the appeal is pending. But there is a chance he could ultimately return to prison, depending on the outcome.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.