Adnan Syed, Finally Free

After a long 22 years in prison, Adnan Syed finally walks free. I want to start this off by saying that, because it is exactly what I hoped would happen. The first time I ever heard The Alibi was around 2018 for an assignment in school and I instantly had the feeling that there was SO much more to this story than the witnesses were letting up. I questioned so many options; was this racially motivated? Was Jay covering up his own murder by blaming a friend? So many questions left unanswered, but through it all I always had the feeling that Adnan was an innocent man. His demeaner was so calm but in the way that it felt like he gave up and knew he was never going to be released.

 Upon further research at the time (2018) it was clear that Adnan had no chance of being a free man, every thing was so up in the air that no one really knew what to believe. I definitely convinced myself of his innocence, considering all of the stories being provided were not matching up with the evidence they were discovering over a period of time. One example would be the phone records, Adnan saying he didn't have his phone but two phone calls being traced and tower pings. A bit strange if you ask me.

Phone records showing Adnan near where Hae was found.

Phone log when Adnan testified to not having his phone on hand.

 

Fast forward to 2022 and further research from myself, Adnan finally walks free since they cannot trace concrete DNA evidence to him. While this may be a good thing, I had the opportunity to listen to the first and last episode of Serials podcast all over again and I have to say my answer is a bit inconclusive. I want to say I still believe he's innocent, but something is stopping me from fully believing it. There are just so many questions unanswered and wishy-washy stories. Even if he didn't kill her, I wouldn't be surprised if Adnan knew more then he was letting on. But over all, he has stuck to his innocence and I give him all the credit. The life he had taken away from him cannot be given back, the constant interrogating and mistreatment he must have gone through is also inexcusable. I hate to see anyone wrongfully go through that, but I still have to say my answer is that I simply don't know if he's innocent or guilty.