Up and Vanished Weekly

Episode Title: UNRESOLVED: Hae Min Lee
Host: Maggie Freleng
Guest: Rabia Chaudhry (attorney, author, advocate)
Date: November 19, 2025
Length: ~45 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode revisits the high-profile 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, focusing on significant new developments in the case and the ongoing fight to clear Adnan Syed, her ex-boyfriend who was convicted but maintains his innocence. The conversation zeroes in on why the case remains unresolved—despite vacated convictions, alleged investigative failures, new forensic evidence, alternative suspects, and continuing legal and advocacy efforts.

Guest Rabia Chaudhry, central to Adnan’s defense and the force behind the "Serial" podcast becoming a phenomenon, shares new evidence and revelations that could shift the narrative and possibly reveal the actual perpetrator.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Case Recap and Current Status

Murder Timeline: Hae Min Lee, high school senior, vanished on January 13, 1999. Her body was discovered nearly a month later.
[03:42–05:57]
Adnan’s Conviction: Arrested based on testimony from Jay Wilds, with little forensic evidence.
Media Impact: The case gained international fame with "Serial" (2014). Adnan’s story has since been covered in multiple media formats.
Legal Back-and-Forth: Conviction vacated in 2022 due to unreliable cell phone evidence and untested DNA, but quickly reinstated. Adnan now lives as a convicted felon who’s served his time, but the case itself is technically closed.
[09:56–12:14]

2. Rabia Chaudhry’s Advocacy and Role

Pivot to Wrongful Conviction Work: Rabia discusses how Adnan’s case propelled her from national security to wrongful convictions.
[13:53] Rabia: “Adnan was just like a little brother to me... I either had to lean into the momentum that Serial brought or walk away.”
[13:53–16:54]
Serial’s Genesis: Rabia’s outreach to journalist Sarah Koenig led to "Serial". Without her, the podcast—and the case’s exposure—may never have happened.
[15:03] Rabia: “I need the media involved. I need a journalist to look at this. I couldn't go and investigate the case because I shouldn't be talking to witnesses...”
Successes Beyond Adnan: “Undisclosed” podcast and legal team have contributed to 13 exonerations, two stays of execution, and more.
[16:54–17:18]

3. Investigative Flaws and New Evidence

Serial’s Omissions: The original podcast overlooked critical forensics such as the autopsy report and misunderstood the cell tower data’s limitations. [17:34–19:25] Rabia: “There was so much that Serial didn’t cover... They’re incredible storytellers, but they’re not professional investigators…we had to set the record straight.”
Cell Tower Evidence: The “fax cover sheet” from AT&T explicitly stated their data should not be used for location. This was key in Adnan’s temporary legal victory. [19:25–20:53]
Unmatched DNA and Forensics: Multiple pieces of DNA, hair, and fingerprints from the crime scene were never matched to Adnan or other primary suspects, and potential alternative suspects were never tested at all. [22:48] Rabia: “There are all this forensic evidence in Hae Min Lee’s murder that’s just unsourced... but these two men [‘Mr. S’ and Don] have never had their DNA taken, their hair taken, a cheek swab, fingerprints... nothing’s been compared.”

4. Alternative Suspects and Evidence Suppression

Two Prime Suspects: Alonzo Sellers (“Mr. S”), who found the body, and Don (Hae Min Lee’s then-boyfriend), were “improperly eliminated” as suspects.
[22:48–25:45]
Physical Evidence Issues: A thumbprint on Hae's rearview mirror and unmatched female DNA from under her fingernail remain unaccounted for. [25:10] Rabia: “A thumbprint on her car rear view mirror... clearly it probably belongs to the last person who drove the car and left it where it was found.”
Crime Scene Analysis: New investigator Sarah Kalin believes there were likely two perpetrators and that the place where Hae’s body was found suggests a “dump and run.”
[25:31–27:25]

5. Don’s Alibi and New Testimony

Flawed Alibi: Don’s alibi, that he was at work, was validated by his mother (manager) and her girlfriend (another manager). Later investigation suggested possible falsification of time cards.
[31:37–33:09]
New Witness: Former assistant manager Deborah Renner recalls “helping Don’s mother enter Don into the work system... even though he was no longer at that location,” raising suspicions of cover-up. [31:37] Rabia: “I have a very clear recollection of helping her...even though [Don] had no longer worked at that location.”

6. Barriers to Justice

Prosecutorial Resistance: Despite new evidence, the state refuses additional DNA testing of remaining forensic evidence, likely due to institutional resistance and a desire to protect earlier convictions. [33:23] Rabia: “Most of the time, states always dig in… I just think these systems protect themselves, as simple as that.”
Bias in Original Investigation: Adnan’s religion and community standing became a burden, not an asset—prosecutors argued community support made him a flight risk because of “cultural honor killing.”
[35:25] Rabia: “It all became about his religion, ethnicity, and they called it an honor killing, and that was it.”

7. Adnan’s Current Life and Ongoing Advocacy

Adnan’s Freedom—Unresolved: Adnan is physically free, working for the Georgetown Prison Justice Initiative, and married. Emotional freedom and full exoneration remain elusive. [37:43] Rabia: “He’s been working at Georgetown University’s Prison Justice Initiative... It’s been amazing having him back.”
Rabia’s Ongoing Mission: She won’t stop until the real killer is identified and Hae’s family gets justice. [41:39] Rabia: "I feel like this is going to be one of those things that until and unless... the person who killed her has been arrested, I don't know if I'll ever give this up."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On “Serial”’s Impact:
[15:03] Rabia Chaudhry:
“I need the media involved. I need a journalist to look at this. I couldn't go and investigate the case because I shouldn't be talking to witnesses... but journalists can get people to talk in ways that other people can't.”
On Serial’s Shortcomings:
[17:34] Rabia Chaudhry:
“They told an incredible story. They just got a lot of it wrong. So we had to set the record straight.”
On Alibi Evidence Overlooked:
[21:14] Rabia Chaudhry:
“Even if they had presented this at trial…the state could have just changed their timeline... It wouldn’t be enough for Adnan to have won at trial.”
On Broken Forensic Analysis:
[22:48] Rabia Chaudhry:
“There’s all this forensic evidence in Hae Min Lee’s murder that’s just unsourced... these two men have never had their DNA taken, their hair taken, a cheek swab, fingerprints.”
On Prosecutorial Bias and Systemic Barriers:
[33:23] Rabia Chaudhry:
“These systems protect themselves, as simple as that.”
On Community Support Turned Negative:
[37:06] Rabia Chaudhry:
“The prosecutor turned around and pointed everybody in that courtroom and said, these are the people who will help him escape... because in their culture and belief system, honor killings are okay... We couldn't believe it. It worked against him.”
On Unwavering Commitment:
[41:39] Rabia Chaudhry:
“I feel like this is going to be one of those things that until and unless I am convinced that the person who killed her has been arrested, I don't know if I'll ever give this up.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 03:42-05:57 | Recap: Hae Min Lee's disappearance and body discovery | | 09:56-12:14 | Adnan's conviction, appeals, DNA evidence, current status| | 13:53-14:50 | Rabia on starting wrongful convictions work | | 15:03-15:58 | How Serial got started thanks to Rabia's outreach | | 16:54-17:18 | Impact of Undisclosed: exonerations and case wins | | 17:34-19:25 | Serial’s errors and need to “set the record straight” | | 19:25-20:53 | Cell tower “fax cover sheet” and wrongful conviction | | 22:48-25:00 | Alonzo Sellers ("Mr. S") and alternative suspects | | 25:10-27:25 | Crime scene analysis, evidence of two perpetrators | | 31:37-33:09 | New witness Deborah Renner on Don's alibi manipulation | | 33:23-35:19 | Systemic resistance to DNA testing/new investigations | | 35:25-37:06 | Islamophobia & honor killing theory targeting Adnan | | 37:43-38:23 | How Adnan is doing today | | 41:39-42:32 | Rabia's persistent advocacy and upcoming undisclosed eps |

Closing Remarks

Host Maggie Freleng and guest Rabia Chaudhry drive home the dual tragedy of wrongful convictions: not only do the innocent suffer, but victims' families are denied true justice. The episode highlights institutional failures, bias, and resilience—pointing toward continued advocacy, community involvement, and the enduring mystery of who really killed Hae Min Lee.

For Listeners Seeking More Information

Listen to "Undisclosed" on any podcast platform.
Reach Rabia at rabiacdhary.com.
Find more on Instagram @undisclosedpod and @rabyesquared.

This summary excludes ads and non-content sections, focusing solely on the substantive discussion and investigative revelations from this episode.

Up and Vanished Weekly

Episode Title: UNRESOLVED: Hae Min Lee
Host: Maggie Freleng
Guest: Rabia Chaudhry (attorney, author, advocate)
Date: November 19, 2025
Length: ~45 minutes

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Case Recap and Current Status

Murder Timeline: Hae Min Lee, high school senior, vanished on January 13, 1999. Her body was discovered nearly a month later.
[03:42–05:57]
Adnan’s Conviction: Arrested based on testimony from Jay Wilds, with little forensic evidence.
Media Impact: The case gained international fame with "Serial" (2014). Adnan’s story has since been covered in multiple media formats.
Legal Back-and-Forth: Conviction vacated in 2022 due to unreliable cell phone evidence and untested DNA, but quickly reinstated. Adnan now lives as a convicted felon who’s served his time, but the case itself is technically closed.
[09:56–12:14]

2. Rabia Chaudhry’s Advocacy and Role

Pivot to Wrongful Conviction Work: Rabia discusses how Adnan’s case propelled her from national security to wrongful convictions.
[13:53] Rabia: “Adnan was just like a little brother to me... I either had to lean into the momentum that Serial brought or walk away.”
[13:53–16:54]
Serial’s Genesis: Rabia’s outreach to journalist Sarah Koenig led to "Serial". Without her, the podcast—and the case’s exposure—may never have happened.
[15:03] Rabia: “I need the media involved. I need a journalist to look at this. I couldn't go and investigate the case because I shouldn't be talking to witnesses...”
Successes Beyond Adnan: “Undisclosed” podcast and legal team have contributed to 13 exonerations, two stays of execution, and more.
[16:54–17:18]

3. Investigative Flaws and New Evidence

Serial’s Omissions: The original podcast overlooked critical forensics such as the autopsy report and misunderstood the cell tower data’s limitations. [17:34–19:25] Rabia: “There was so much that Serial didn’t cover... They’re incredible storytellers, but they’re not professional investigators…we had to set the record straight.”
Cell Tower Evidence: The “fax cover sheet” from AT&T explicitly stated their data should not be used for location. This was key in Adnan’s temporary legal victory. [19:25–20:53]
Unmatched DNA and Forensics: Multiple pieces of DNA, hair, and fingerprints from the crime scene were never matched to Adnan or other primary suspects, and potential alternative suspects were never tested at all. [22:48] Rabia: “There are all this forensic evidence in Hae Min Lee’s murder that’s just unsourced... but these two men [‘Mr. S’ and Don] have never had their DNA taken, their hair taken, a cheek swab, fingerprints... nothing’s been compared.”

4. Alternative Suspects and Evidence Suppression

Two Prime Suspects: Alonzo Sellers (“Mr. S”), who found the body, and Don (Hae Min Lee’s then-boyfriend), were “improperly eliminated” as suspects.
[22:48–25:45]
Physical Evidence Issues: A thumbprint on Hae's rearview mirror and unmatched female DNA from under her fingernail remain unaccounted for. [25:10] Rabia: “A thumbprint on her car rear view mirror... clearly it probably belongs to the last person who drove the car and left it where it was found.”
Crime Scene Analysis: New investigator Sarah Kalin believes there were likely two perpetrators and that the place where Hae’s body was found suggests a “dump and run.”
[25:31–27:25]

5. Don’s Alibi and New Testimony

Flawed Alibi: Don’s alibi, that he was at work, was validated by his mother (manager) and her girlfriend (another manager). Later investigation suggested possible falsification of time cards.
[31:37–33:09]
New Witness: Former assistant manager Deborah Renner recalls “helping Don’s mother enter Don into the work system... even though he was no longer at that location,” raising suspicions of cover-up. [31:37] Rabia: “I have a very clear recollection of helping her...even though [Don] had no longer worked at that location.”

6. Barriers to Justice

Prosecutorial Resistance: Despite new evidence, the state refuses additional DNA testing of remaining forensic evidence, likely due to institutional resistance and a desire to protect earlier convictions. [33:23] Rabia: “Most of the time, states always dig in… I just think these systems protect themselves, as simple as that.”
Bias in Original Investigation: Adnan’s religion and community standing became a burden, not an asset—prosecutors argued community support made him a flight risk because of “cultural honor killing.”
[35:25] Rabia: “It all became about his religion, ethnicity, and they called it an honor killing, and that was it.”

7. Adnan’s Current Life and Ongoing Advocacy

Adnan’s Freedom—Unresolved: Adnan is physically free, working for the Georgetown Prison Justice Initiative, and married. Emotional freedom and full exoneration remain elusive. [37:43] Rabia: “He’s been working at Georgetown University’s Prison Justice Initiative... It’s been amazing having him back.”
Rabia’s Ongoing Mission: She won’t stop until the real killer is identified and Hae’s family gets justice. [41:39] Rabia: "I feel like this is going to be one of those things that until and unless... the person who killed her has been arrested, I don't know if I'll ever give this up."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On “Serial”’s Impact:
[15:03] Rabia Chaudhry:
“I need the media involved. I need a journalist to look at this. I couldn't go and investigate the case because I shouldn't be talking to witnesses... but journalists can get people to talk in ways that other people can't.”
On Serial’s Shortcomings:
[17:34] Rabia Chaudhry:
“They told an incredible story. They just got a lot of it wrong. So we had to set the record straight.”
On Alibi Evidence Overlooked:
[21:14] Rabia Chaudhry:
“Even if they had presented this at trial…the state could have just changed their timeline... It wouldn’t be enough for Adnan to have won at trial.”
On Broken Forensic Analysis:
[22:48] Rabia Chaudhry:
“There’s all this forensic evidence in Hae Min Lee’s murder that’s just unsourced... these two men have never had their DNA taken, their hair taken, a cheek swab, fingerprints.”
On Prosecutorial Bias and Systemic Barriers:
[33:23] Rabia Chaudhry:
“These systems protect themselves, as simple as that.”
On Community Support Turned Negative:
[37:06] Rabia Chaudhry:
“The prosecutor turned around and pointed everybody in that courtroom and said, these are the people who will help him escape... because in their culture and belief system, honor killings are okay... We couldn't believe it. It worked against him.”
On Unwavering Commitment:
[41:39] Rabia Chaudhry:
“I feel like this is going to be one of those things that until and unless I am convinced that the person who killed her has been arrested, I don't know if I'll ever give this up.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

Closing Remarks

For Listeners Seeking More Information

Listen to "Undisclosed" on any podcast platform.
Reach Rabia at rabiacdhary.com.
Find more on Instagram @undisclosedpod and @rabyesquared.

This summary excludes ads and non-content sections, focusing solely on the substantive discussion and investigative revelations from this episode.

wavePod

UNRESOLVED: Hae Min Lee

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Summary

Up and Vanished Weekly

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Case Recap and Current Status

2. Rabia Chaudhry’s Advocacy and Role

3. Investigative Flaws and New Evidence

4. Alternative Suspects and Evidence Suppression

5. Don’s Alibi and New Testimony

6. Barriers to Justice

7. Adnan’s Current Life and Ongoing Advocacy

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Closing Remarks

Summary

Up and Vanished Weekly

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Case Recap and Current Status

2. Rabia Chaudhry’s Advocacy and Role

3. Investigative Flaws and New Evidence

4. Alternative Suspects and Evidence Suppression

5. Don’s Alibi and New Testimony

6. Barriers to Justice

7. Adnan’s Current Life and Ongoing Advocacy

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Closing Remarks