Man freed after 40 years for overturned murder conviction denied bond in immigration case

After more than 40 years behind bars for a murder conviction that was later overturned, Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam is facing a new legal battle — this time in immigration court.

Vedam, 64, had expected to walk free from a Pennsylvania prison last October after prosecutors dropped the charges against him. A judge had vacated his conviction months earlier after determining that prosecutors withheld key ballistics evidence that could have affected the outcome of his trial.

But just one day after his release from prison, Vedam was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement based on a decades-old deportation order, according to his attorney.

Now, an immigration judge has denied Vedam’s request for bond while he fights deportation. He has until March 19 to appeal that decision.

His legal team recently secured a ruling from the Board of Immigration Appeals determining that his case qualifies as an “exceptional situation” and should be reopened. The original deportation order had been based largely on the now-vacated murder conviction and related charges.

Vedam was sentenced to life without parole in the 1980s for the killing of a college student. For decades, he maintained his innocence. His conviction was overturned after attorneys discovered prosecutors failed to disclose an FBI report suggesting key evidence presented to the jury may have been flawed.

Despite the charges being dropped, federal authorities say they will continue pursuing deportation proceedings. Officials argue that the reversal of one conviction does not end immigration enforcement efforts, while Vedam’s attorney says he is a lawful permanent resident.

Supporters say the case highlights the complex legal challenges some exonerees face even after winning their freedom.

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