Ep 4. Time is the Killer

The Case Against Adnan Syed season 1 episode 4, titled "Time is the Killer," continues to investigate the murder of Hae Min Lee and the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed. This episode delves into the importance of time in the legal system, specifically how memories and evidence can change over the course of years.

One of the main focuses of this episode is the testimony of Jay Wilds, who remains a controversial figure in this case. Wilds was the key witness in Syed's trial, claiming that he helped Syed bury Lee's body. However, many have questioned the validity of Wilds' testimony, and this episode explores how his statements have shifted and changed over time. Interviews with Wilds' former friends and acquaintances suggest that his involvement in the case may have been more complex than originally thought.

The episode also features an interview with Christina Gutierrez, Syed's defense attorney, who passed away in 2004. Gutierrez was known for her aggressive and often combative style in the courtroom, but her former colleagues and clients remember her as a dedicated defender of her clients' rights. This episode reveals how Gutierrez struggled with health and financial issues during Syed's trial, which may have impacted her ability to mount an effective defense.

Another key figure in this episode is Asia McClain, a former classmate of Syed's who claims to have seen him at the library during the time Lee was allegedly being murdered. McClain's testimony was not used in Syed's trial, but it has gained significance in recent years as Syed's case has been reexamined. This episode shows how McClain's memories of that day have evolved over time, and how she has fought to have her testimony heard.

The episode also touches on the role of race and culture in Syed's case. Many have pointed to the fact that Syed, a Pakistani-American, was treated unfairly by the legal system and the media, which portrayed him as a dangerous and dishonorable individual. This episode speaks to members of the Baltimore Muslim community, who recall how Syed's arrest and conviction brought discrimination and prejudice into their lives.

Overall, "Time is the Killer" is a thought-provoking episode that raises many questions about the justice system and the impact of time on memory and evidence. As the investigation into Hae Min Lee's murder continues, viewers are left to ponder the complexity and nuance of this case, and the many lives it has affected.