Latest news with #WoodlawnHigh
CBS News
26-02-2025
- CBS News
Adnan Syed's reduced prison sentence to be considered by Baltimore judge
Adnan Syed, whose murder case was chronicled in the 2014 "Serial" podcast, will return to court for a hearing on Wednesday as a judge considers whether to reduce his sentence under the Juvenile Restoration Act. Syed, now 43, served more than 20 years in prison before his murder conviction in 1999 death of his ex-girlfriend and Woodlawn High classmate Hae Min Lee was vacated in September 2022. His conviction was reinstated and then upheld by Maryland's Supreme Court in August 2024, citing inadequate notice given to Lee's family about the vacatur hearing. In December 2024, Syed's lawyers submitted a motion requesting a judge to lessen his sentence under the Juvenile Restoration Act, a Maryland law that permits individuals who have served at least 20 years in prison for crimes committed as minors to seek a sentence modification. Syed was 17 at the time of Lee's murder. "We await the decision of the judge in tomorrow's hearing on our motion to reduce Adnan's sentence under the Juvenile Restoration Act," said Erica Suter, Syed's attorney. "Given his accomplishments in prison and his work in the community since release, Adnan is a model candidate for a sentence reduction. Tomorrow, we will focus our efforts on ensuring that his freedom is not taken away from him again. After spending 23 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Adnan is not bitter. He is rebuilding a life for himself and his family, while continuing to profess his innocence." Baltimore State's Attorney Ivan Bates said in a statement that he supports efforts to be resentenced under new juvenile justice guidelines. "I recognize the complexity and sensitivity of this case. I hope this comprehensive review and my ultimate decision bring closure to all parties involved," Bates said. According to The Baltimore Banner, if Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer approves of the motion, Syed will not have to return to prison, however, his convictions for first-degree murder, robbery, kidnapping and false imprisonment will remain. Withdrawing motion to vacate conviction On Tuesday, Baltimore State's Attorney Ivan Bates said his office is withdrawing the motion to vacate Adnan Syed's murder conviction. "Three times, the courts have vacated Adnan Syed's conviction; three times he saw his freedom taken away for a crime he didn't commit," Suter said. "Tonight, the state's attorney got it wrong. His decision to withdraw his office's motion to vacate Adnan's conviction ignores the injustices on which this conviction was founded. We will continue to fight to clear his name through all legal avenues available to him." Bates said former City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby's decision to vacate Syed's conviction was based on "false and misleading statements that undermine the integrity of the judicial process." "As prosecutors, our duty is to seek justice and ensure that all legal proceedings are conducted transparently, accurately, and fairly," Bates said in a statement. The back story Hae Min Lee, an 18-year-old high school student, went missing in January 1999. Her body was found weeks later in Baltimore City's Leakin Park. In 2000, Syed was convicted of Lee's murder. More than 20 years later, in 2022, he was released from prison after a judge vacated his conviction. The courts then reinstated Syed's conviction after Lee's family argued they weren't given enough notice to attend the vacatur hearing. Syed's case gained national attention when it was featured in the first season of the true-crime podcast, "Serial," in 2014.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Yahoo
Woodlawn High adding security upgrades after gun found in student's wheelchair
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board is taking immediate steps to improve safety at Woodlawn High School after multiple incidents of weapons being found on campus. On Wednesday, 17-year-old Kevin Evans III was arrested after authorities found a gun hidden in the cushion of his wheelchair, according to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office. In a letter to the Woodlawn High community, District 6 board representative Nathan Rust called firearms on school grounds unacceptable. 'Our schools should be safe havens where young people can learn, grow, and thrive without fear. Our families deserve that comfort, and I assure you that we are taking the necessary steps to address your concerns,' Rust said. Superintendent calls for policy changes after fights, guns in East Baton Rouge schools Rust said the board has approved several new security measures to protect students, staff, and families, including: Installing advanced weapon detection systems on campus this month to quickly identify weapons and reduce human error. Discussing the addition of a private security team to work alongside the school's drug task force to address safety concerns. However, Rust emphasized that technology and security staff alone won't solve the problem. He urged parents, teachers, students, and the community to promote accountability, respect, and vigilance. 'The majority of students and staff at Woodlawn High are doing the right thing every single day, and they deserve our full support,' Rust said. Rust encouraged community members to share concerns and ideas, adding that the board is committed to keeping Woodlawn High a safe and supportive place for all students. Trader Joe's sets purchase limit on eggs nationwide 'Passionate Chiefs fans' lead overnight surge in Super Bowl ticket price Democratic Women's Caucus criticizes federal funding freeze Members of Congress denied access to Department of Education New Orleans hotel has plan to stop pole-climbing Eagles fans Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
