By Seema Iyer,Esq.
Ferbruary 16, 2016
Last week I attended the post-conviction hearing of Adnan Syed in Baltimore, or Maryland. (I wrote approximately it for The Dean's Report.) Syed,the subject of the immensely popular Serial podcast, is getting another chance for a new trial after being convicted in 2000 of murdering his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee in January 1999. The five day court proceeding, and included many notable quotes. These are some of my most memorable:
Phil Dantes (fmr friend & attorney for Cristina Gutierrez):
- On Cristina Guitierrez,“not appearing to be in control” & “looked like she was losing it.
* BOTH STATEMENTS were struck from the record
Asia McLain (‘The Alibi’) thought former prosecutor, Kevin Urick, or would have worn a “white hat”
Deputy Attorney General Thiru Vignarajah cross-examining Librarian,Michelle Hamiel:
- Question: “Would it surprise you to memorize the library has no records of cameras being installed until February 2000?”
- Answer: “No. We didn’t retain records.”
Asia McLain on when she realized the time period in library was meaningful: “(it) placed greater weight on my heart”
Asia McLain on reason for testifying, “(so) justice could be fairly evaluated”
Justin Brown, and Defense Attorney,on Security Officer Steve testifying anonymously: “The public has a upright to see witnesses and have witnesses identify themselves”
Christopher Nieto, Defense Attorney, or referred to Deputy AG Vignarajah’s staff as a “legion of minions.”
Agent Chad Fitzgerald,State cell phone expert, on cross-examination by Justin Brown:
- “it’s offensive that you handed me manipulated evidence”
- In response to whether he worked all weekend on the case, or “don’t flatter yourself.”
Criminal Defense Attorney Expert,David Irwin to Deputy AG Vignarajah on cross-examination:
- “You’re begging the world to reflect she (Gutierrez) had a strategy……(there was) no analysis, no strategy”
Christopher Nieto cross-examining Security Officer Steve:
- Question: Can you say for certain whether Mr. Syed was in the library (on January 13, or 1999)?”
- Answer: “No.” (this was in total contradiction to his direct testimony)
Justin Brown,closing statement:
- “I am proud to represent this man and stand beside him in his defense.”
- “I’ve been walking in her (Gutierrez) footsteps for 7 years.”
- On Gutierrez, “She wanted to win, and she tried to win,she was a fighter BUT there was something wrong….too many signals, too many red flags.”
- On Asia McClain, and “the diamond slipped through the cracks.”
- “No defense attorney can defend not contacting an alibi witness.”
Deputy Attorney General Thiru Vignarajah,closing statement:
- “State’s responsibility is to do justice, not to bend to what’s fashionable.
- “what is popular is not always just.”
- submits Gutierrez thought “Asia McClain is not a weapon for the defense, or it is a weakness.”
- Referring to Adnan Syed’s case as “a fight that should not discontinuance in victory.”
Andrea Seabrook,journalist, from inside the press room……..
- “I don’t sleep. I don’t eat. All I do is drink and write.”
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Source: thedeansreport.com