A judge overturned Monday the murder conviction of Adnan Syed, the man at the center of the case that inspired the popular podcast Serial, reports the BBC.
Judge Melissa Phinn threw out the case saying the prosecution failed to turn over key evidence to the defense.
Syed has spent nearly 23 years behind bars for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Hae Min Lee.
Prosecutors last week asked the judge to dismiss the conviction saying its year-long investigation has turned up two other possible suspects.
According to CNBC, prosecutors admitted to the judge they did not have “confidence in the integrity” of the verdict.
Attorneys for the victim’s family , however, argued for a delay in the decision saying they had lacked proper notice to appear in court.
The brother of Lee spoke to the court via Zoom.
“This is real life, of a never-ending nightmare for 20-plus years,” Young Lee said.
Judge Phinn did not agree.
“In the interest of judgment and fairness, the state’s motion to vacate judgment … is hereby granted,” she said, WBAL-TV reported. “The defendant will be released and placed on remote monitoring … The state will have 30 days to refile or nolle pros. At this time, we will remove the shackles off of Mr. Syed.”
The city attorney of Baltimore, where the murder occurred, said it is reviewing evidence before deciding whether to press for a new trial.
“The investigation is separate and apart from the 30-day mandate. What we are currently waiting for is DNA analysis. So we are going to try to expedite that,” Marilyn Mosby said.
“Today, my friend and client Adnan Syed walks free for the first time in 23 years. In 1999, Adnan was a senior at Woodlawn High School. He had been accepted to college with plans to major in pre-med. Those dreams were ended with Adnan was accused of the brutal murder of his friend and classmate, Hae Min Lee,” Assistant Public Defender and Innocence Project Clinic Director Erica Suter said.
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