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Serial's Adnan Syed Gets Break That Could Re-open Trial
The convicted killer made semi-famous by the popular podcast 'Serial' could be heading for a re-trial, which would include testimony by key witness Asia McClain
Adnan Syed, currently in prison for killing his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee, and accidental star of hugely popular podcast 'Serial', could be heading for a re-trial.
Syed's legal team has successfully convinced the Maryland Court of Special Appeals to send his case back to the lower court - where he can file a request to reopen his case.
One of the key issues the legal team is pressing to reopen the case on is the affidavit of Asia McClain - the girl in the library - whose testimony could give Syed an alibi.
An affidavit is a written statement of fact sworn under oath.
McClain was interviewed in Serial, the podcast that drew new attention to the old case. Over 12 episodes, presenter Sarah Koenig took listeners through the evidence, reassessing reports and interviewing key people in the case (including Syed himself).
The testimony of Asia McClain was one of the sore thumbs that stuck out of Koenig's investigation, and her version of events could be enough to swing a re-trial.
After the podcast, McClain filed an affidavit, indicating that she'd be willing to testify as a witness. She also said that an assistant state's attorney had warned her to stay away from previous hearings (stated in her affidavit).
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In Serial, McClain claimed that she saw Syed at Woodlawn High School, where they both attended, at around the time Lee was murdered, giving him an albibi.
Speaking to WBAL Syed's attorney and family friend Rabia Chaudry said: "We get to go back into post-conviction...basically bring in Asia and the court can then decide if the attorney messed up by not bringing in the alibi witness."
Syed, now 34, has always attested his innocence in the case. But by the end of the Serial podcast, neither Koenig, not her listeners, could agree with any certainty whether they there was enough evidence to convict of aquit him.
The court agreed to send the case to the lower court 'in the interest of justice', suggesting there was the possibility that Syed hadn't had a fair trial.
According to his brother Yusuf, Syed is 'happy and excited' at the new development.
