BALTIMORE — The court hearing about whether Adan Syed, a Baltimore man whose legal saga was the basis for hit podcast “Serial,” should have his 1999 murder conviction overturned is on hold while the court waits for the victim’s brother to join the proceedings.
Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn is holding a hearing to determine if Syed’s conviction for the killing of Hae Min Lee, his former high school sweetheart, should be overturned and if he should be released from custody. Prosecutors filed a motion last Wednesday questioning the integrity of Syed’s original trial and the evidence that has left him behind bars these past 23 years.
In Maryland, victims of crime have a right to be heard at proceedings regarding the accused, and Lee’s brother, Young Lee, represents the family. His lawyer, Steve Kelly, said Young Lee did not learn of the hearing until Friday and asked Phinn to postpone the hearing for seven days so Lee, who lives in California, could attend.
