On Feb. 25, 2000, Adnan Syed was sentenced to life in prison for 30 plus years and on Sept. 19, he was released. Syed was found guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and robbery.

   In 1998, Hae Min Lee and Adnan Syed had broken up for the final time. A few months later in 1999, Min Lee was reported missing and her body was found on February 9. Min Lee’s body was partially buried in Leakin Park, Maryland. Just 19 days later, Syed was arrested.  

   Once Min Lee’s body was examined, DNA evidence was found under the victim’s fingernails. The DNA was tested at the time but what was found was not in the police system. In court, neither the prosecution nor the defense asked for DNA evidence to be used due to a fear of exoneration or incrimination.

   After 23 years, Syeds convictions were vacated. According to The Washington Post, Judge Melissa Phinn found deficiencies in how prosecutors turned over evidence to defense attorneys. 

   “Prosecutors have 30 days to decide whether or not they will retry Syed in the killing of his ex-girlfriend. While he awaits prosecutors’ next move, Syed will be under GPS supervision,” Phinn said.