Man Wrongfully Jailed for 43 Years Found Not Guilty, Faces Deportation to India

Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam, who spent 43 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, has been released following new evidence that cleared him of the crime. However, just as he was about to reunite with his family, he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which wants to deport him to India, a country he left as a baby.

Vedam’s family is now working hard to fight the deportation order. His sister, Saraswathi Vedam, told the BBC that their situation has changed dramatically. Her brother has gone from a prison where he knew the staff and helped other inmates to a facility where he shares a room with 60 men, and his past good behavior is unknown.

In light of these changes, Mr. Vedam has told his family, “I want us to focus on the win.” He emphasizes that his name has been cleared and that he is now a detainee rather than a prisoner.

The Murder Case

Mr. Vedam was convicted in 1980 for the murder of his former roommate, Tom Kinser, a college student. Kinser went missing, and his body was found months later with a bullet wound. On the day he disappeared, Vedam had asked for a ride from him. Although the car was returned, no one witnessed it being dropped off.

Vedam was charged with murder, denied bail, and labeled a flight risk. Two years later, he was sentenced to life in prison. He maintained his innocence throughout the years, and his supporters pointed out the lack of physical evidence against him. Recently, new evidence emerged, leading to his exoneration. Earlier this month, the local District Attorney announced that he would not seek a new trial.

Despite his release from prison, Vedam still faces a 1988 deportation order due to his previous convictions. ICE detained him based on this order, even though he has been cleared of murder charges. The agency stated that they acted on a lawful order and that his drug conviction still stands.

Family’s Concerns

Vedam’s family is worried about the potential deportation, highlighting that his ties to India are minimal. He moved to the U.S. when he was just nine months old, and his remaining relatives there are distant. Most of his community, including his sister and her children, live in the United States and Canada.

Saraswathi Vedam expressed disappointment that they were not even given a moment to embrace him after his long imprisonment. “He has been wrongfully held, and one would think that his integrity should count for something,” she remarked.

Vedam, a legal permanent resident, had been in the process of applying for U.S. citizenship before his arrest. His lawyer, Ava Benach, stated that deporting him to a country where he has few connections would add to the injustices he has already faced.