Adnan Syed was released from prison after more than two decades on Monday. Judge Melissa Phinn overturned Syed’s conviction for the 1999 murder of high school student Hae Min Lee. The case was also featured in the hit podcast Serial.

The verdict from Baltimore Circuit Court followed gasps and applause in the courtroom. “All right Mr. Syed, you’re free to join your family”, Judge Phinn said after announcing her decision.

Also Read: Adnan Syed case: All about other suspects in Hae Min Lee’s murder

The 41-year-old now took his first steps outside the courtroom as a free man after decades behind bars. The applause followed him outside the courthouse, where he flashed a smile as he was shepherded to a waiting SUV through a sea of cameras and a cheering crowd of supporters.

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Adnan Syed was sent to prison to serve a life sentence about 23 years ago. He was convicted of killing Hae Min Lee, a teenager whose remains were found buried in a Baltimore park. However, Syed always maintained his innocence.

His case captured the attention of millions in 2014 when the debut season of Serial focused on Lee’s killing and raised doubts about some of the evidence prosecutors had used. The podcast triggered conversation across the country.

“We need to make sure we hold the correct person accountable” assistant state’s attorney Becky Feldman told the judge. Feldman also provided details that eventually resulted in the reversal of the conviction.

Also Read: 1999 Hae Min Lee murder case: A timeline of Adnan Syed’s trials

These details included other suspects, flawed cellphone data, unreliable witness testimony and a potentially biased detective, news agency Associated Press reported.

Syed was led into the crowded courtroom in handcuffs Monday. Wearing a white shirt with a tie, he sat next to his attorney. His mother and other family representatives were in the room, as was State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.