Adnan Syed, focus of 'Serial' podcast, granted new trial

A Baltimore judge has granted a new trial for Adnan Syed, who was convicted in the killing of his former high school girlfriend, Hae Min Lee.  Syed's case was the focus of Season 1 of NPR's popular "Serial" podcast.

Syed was convicted of murdering Lee in 1999 and burying her in a park. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Baltimore Circuit Judge Martin Welch ruled Thursday that Syed deserves another trial because his attorney failed to cross-examine a cell tower expert about the reliability of data that placed Syed's cellphone near the burial site.

Syed's case was widely publicized by "Serial." The podcast attracted millions of listeners by showcasing little-known evidence and raising questions about Syed's guilt.