Central figure in 'Serial' podcast to argue for new trial

BALTIMORE (AP) — A convicted murderer who was the focus of a popular podcast is returning to court to argue he deserves another trial and a new chance at freedom.

The podcast "Serial" revolved around the story of Adnan Syed, now 35 and serving a life sentence. At 19 he was convicted of strangling his high school girlfriend and leaving her body in a wooded park on the northwestern edge of Baltimore. The show raised questions about the fairness of Syed's trial in Hae Min Lee's death.

The hearing is set to start Wednesday and is scheduled to last three days before Baltimore Circuit Judge Martin Welch. It is meant to determine whether Syed's conviction will be overturned and case retried.