Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast “Serial,” exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction.

Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast “Serial,” exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

Judge overturns Adnan Syed's murder conviction, releases him from prison | PHOTOS

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Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee. Prosecutors have 30 days to determine whether they want to try him again.

Adnan Syed released

Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast “Serial,” exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction.

Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast “Serial,” exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed

Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse. Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee.

Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse. Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed

Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast “Serial,” exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction.

Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast “Serial,” exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released from prison

Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse after Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned his first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee.

Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse after Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned his first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed and his attorney, Erica Suter in a Baltimore courthouse just before he was freed by a judge in his 1999 murder conviction.

Adnan Syed and his attorney, Erica Suter in a Baltimore courthouse just before he was freed by a judge in his 1999 murder conviction. (Kevin Richardson / Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released

Adnan Syed's mother, Shamim Syed, outside the Baltimore courthouse following the release of her son. Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee.

Adnan Syed's mother, Shamim Syed, outside the Baltimore courthouse following the release of her son. Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun)

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Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn talks with attorney Steve Kelly, right, who represent Young Lee and other relatives, said the family was treated as an afterthought during the recent proceedings.

Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn talks with attorney Steve Kelly, right, who represent Young Lee and other relatives, said the family was treated as an afterthought during the recent proceedings. (Kevin Richardson / Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed freed

Supporters cheer as Adnan Syed exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction.

Supporters cheer as Adnan Syed exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released

Adnan Syed and his attorney, Erica Suter listen to a zoom call from Hae Min Lee's relative. Syed would soon leave the Baltimore courthouse free after a judge overturns his 2000 murder conviction.

Adnan Syed and his attorney, Erica Suter listen to a zoom call from Hae Min Lee's relative. Syed would soon leave the Baltimore courthouse free after a judge overturns his 2000 murder conviction. (Kevin Richardson / Baltimore Sun)

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Sarah Koenig and Chris Flohr

Sarah Koenig, whose podcast “Serial” brought national attention to the case of Adnan Syed shares a moment with Chris Flohr, middle, who can't hold back his tears of joy and Doug Colbert, left, after Adnan Syed had his murder conviction overturned and would later be released.

Sarah Koenig, whose podcast “Serial” brought national attention to the case of Adnan Syed shares a moment with Chris Flohr, middle, who can't hold back his tears of joy and Doug Colbert, left, after Adnan Syed had his murder conviction overturned and would later be released. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released

Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse. Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee.

Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse. Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed

Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast “Serial,” exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction.

Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast “Serial,” exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Erica J. Suter, Director of The Innocence Project

Erica J. Suter, Director of The Innocence Project, speaks with the media after her client Adnan Syed had his conviction overturned.

Erica J. Suter, Director of The Innocence Project, speaks with the media after her client Adnan Syed had his conviction overturned. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed had his murder conviction overturned

Sarah Koenig, left, the host of Serial, a podcast about Adnan Syed, greets Erica J. Suter, Director of The Innocence Project, right, as Laura Nirider looks on after Adnan Syed had his murder conviction overturned. Prosecutors raised doubts about his guilty finding because of the revelation of alternative suspects in the homicide and unreliable evidence used against him at trial.

Sarah Koenig, left, the host of Serial, a podcast about Adnan Syed, greets Erica J. Suter, Director of The Innocence Project, right, as Laura Nirider looks on after Adnan Syed had his murder conviction overturned. Prosecutors raised doubts about his guilty finding because of the revelation of alternative suspects in the homicide and unreliable evidence used against him at trial. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun)

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Sarah Koenig

Sarah Koenig, whose breakthrough podcast “Serial” brought the Adnan Syed case to worldwide attention, records the events outside the courthouse after Syed’s conviction was overturned.

Sarah Koenig, whose breakthrough podcast “Serial” brought the Adnan Syed case to worldwide attention, records the events outside the courthouse after Syed’s conviction was overturned. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed

Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast “Serial,” exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction.

Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast “Serial,” exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released

City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby discusses the release of Adnan Syed after his conviction was overturned, as Syed’s mother, Shamim Syed, right, looks on with another son, standing behind Mosby.

City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby discusses the release of Adnan Syed after his conviction was overturned, as Syed’s mother, Shamim Syed, right, looks on with another son, standing behind Mosby. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed court hearing

Adnan Syed at his Baltimore court hearing in which a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction.

Adnan Syed at his Baltimore court hearing in which a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction. (Kevin Richardson / Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released

Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse after being released from prison.

Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse after being released from prison. (Kevin Richardson/Baltimore Sun)

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Erica J. Suter, Director of The Innocence Project

Erica J. Suter, Director of The Innocence Project, speaks with the media after her client Adnan Syed had his conviction overturned.

Erica J. Suter, Director of The Innocence Project, speaks with the media after her client Adnan Syed had his conviction overturned. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released from prison

Adnan Syed’s mother, center, Shamim Syed celebrates with friends outside of the courthouse after the hearing.

Adnan Syed’s mother, center, Shamim Syed celebrates with friends outside of the courthouse after the hearing. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released

Willie Hamilton, a former cell mate of Adnan Syed who believed in his innocence, was on hand to see Syed’s conviction overturned.

Willie Hamilton, a former cell mate of Adnan Syed who believed in his innocence, was on hand to see Syed’s conviction overturned. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released from prison

Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse. Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee.

Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse. Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released from prison

Adnan Syed’s mother, center, Shamim Syed celebrates with friends outside of the courthouse after her son was released from prison.

Adnan Syed’s mother, center, Shamim Syed celebrates with friends outside of the courthouse after her son was released from prison. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released

Adnan Syed is mobbed by supporters and media as he leaves courthouse following his release.

Adnan Syed is mobbed by supporters and media as he leaves courthouse following his release. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released

Adnan Syed is mobbed by supporters and media as he leaves the Baltimore courthouse following his release.

Adnan Syed is mobbed by supporters and media as he leaves the Baltimore courthouse following his release. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed hearing

Catina Carter walks past the courthouse while waiting for the results of the Adnan Syed hearing.

Catina Carter walks past the courthouse while waiting for the results of the Adnan Syed hearing. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed released

Adnan Syed’s mother, center, Shamim Syed celebrates with friends outside of the courthouse after Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee.

Adnan Syed’s mother, center, Shamim Syed celebrates with friends outside of the courthouse after Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday overturned Syed’s first-degree murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed hearing

From left, Lauren and Mickey Tait of Annapolis and Catina Carter of Dundalk sit outside the courthouse waiting for the results of the Adnan Syed hearing.

From left, Lauren and Mickey Tait of Annapolis and Catina Carter of Dundalk sit outside the courthouse waiting for the results of the Adnan Syed hearing. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed hearing

People wait outside of the courthouse for the results of the Adnan Syed hearing.

People wait outside of the courthouse for the results of the Adnan Syed hearing. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed hearing

The media is gathered outside of the courthouse waiting for the outcome of the Adnan Syed hearing.

The media is gathered outside of the courthouse waiting for the outcome of the Adnan Syed hearing. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed hearing

Supporters of Adnan Syed wait on Calvert Street with the media gathered for the outcome of the Syed hearing.

Supporters of Adnan Syed wait on Calvert Street with the media gathered for the outcome of the Syed hearing. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed hearing in Baltimore

Shamim Syed, Adnan Syed’s mother, arrives at the courthouse for a hearing to determine whether his murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee will be overturned.

Shamim Syed, Adnan Syed’s mother, arrives at the courthouse for a hearing to determine whether his murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee will be overturned. (Jerry Jackson)

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Adnan Syed hearing in Baltimore

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby arrives at the courthouse for a hearing to determine whether Adnan Syed's murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee will be overturned.

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby arrives at the courthouse for a hearing to determine whether Adnan Syed's murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee will be overturned. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed hearing

Rabia Chaudry, left, and Shamim Syed, right, Adnan Syed’s mother, arrive at the courthouse.

Rabia Chaudry, left, and Shamim Syed, right, Adnan Syed’s mother, arrive at the courthouse. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed hearing in Baltimore

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, right, arrives at the courthouse for a hearing to determine whether Adnan Syed's murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee will be overturned.

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, right, arrives at the courthouse for a hearing to determine whether Adnan Syed's murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee will be overturned. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed hearing

Rabia Chaudry, attorney and family friend who has been advocating the cause for Adnan Syed, pauses at the courthouse entrance before the case for Syed is heard.

Rabia Chaudry, attorney and family friend who has been advocating the cause for Adnan Syed, pauses at the courthouse entrance before the case for Syed is heard. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun)

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Adnan Syed hearing in Baltimore

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby arrives at the courthouse for a hearing to determine whether Adnan Syed's murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee will be overturned. (A previous version of this gallery misidentified the year of Adnan Syed's murder conviction. The Sun regrets the error.)

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby arrives at the courthouse for a hearing to determine whether Adnan Syed's murder conviction in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee will be overturned. (A previous version of this gallery misidentified the year of Adnan Syed's murder conviction. The Sun regrets the error.) (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun)

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