He Spent 40 Years in Prison Before His Murder Conviction Was Overturned

He spent over 40 years in prison before a judge overturned his murder conviction. Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam prepared to leave a Pennsylvania prison last October.

However, ICE detained him the day after his charges were dropped. His attorney said a decades-old deportation order triggered the action. Vedam, 64, came to the U.S. from India as an infant.

Moreover, a federal immigration judge denied Vedam’s request for bond Tuesday morning. He must fight deportation while remaining in custody. Vedam has until March 19 to appeal the decision.

His attorney, Ava Benach, said the ruling contains “errors of facts and law.” She promised to appeal and pursue full justice for Vedam.

Recently, the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals recognized his case as an “exceptional situation.” The Board ordered authorities to reopen his immigration case.

Vedam’s original deportation order relied on his vacated murder conviction and a related drug charge. After decades, attorneys discovered that prosecutors had withheld critical ballistics evidence that could have affected his trial.

In the 1980s, prosecutors sentenced Vedam to life without parole for murdering his friend, Thomas Kinser. Kinser disappeared in December 1980. Nine months later, authorities found his remains with a bullet hole in his skull.

Prosecutors told the jury that Vedam used a .25-caliber gun, but defense attorneys challenged the ballistics evidence. An FBI report suggested the bullet wound was too small for that gun. Prosecutors had withheld this report from Vedam’s lawyers.

In August 2025, a judge vacated Vedam’s conviction and ordered a new trial. The Centre County District Attorney’s Office later dropped the charges.

Despite this, DHS continues to fight Vedam’s release. The agency labels him a “criminal illegal alien,” though his attorney says he holds permanent legal residency.

Vedam’s family continues to support him. His sister, Saraswathi Vedam, said he remains patient and hopeful. She emphasized the importance of truth, justice, and compassion.

Now, Vedam faces another legal battle. He and his attorneys prepare for the next stage as he fights for freedom.