State College man's case featured in new true crime docuseries

Subramanyam 'Subu' Vedam's story of wrongful conviction and deportation fight to be highlighted in 'True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here'

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Subramanyam 'Subu' Vedam, a State College man who spent over 40 years in prison before his murder conviction was overturned, will have his story featured in the second episode of the new season of the true crime docuseries 'True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here.' The episode is set to premiere on Sundance TV and AMC+ in the coming weeks.

Why it matters

Vedam's case highlights the challenges faced by those wrongfully convicted and the ongoing battles they must fight, even after being exonerated, to regain their freedom. The docuseries aims to shine a light on such 'grave injustices' occurring in small towns across America.

The details

Vedam was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1980s, but his conviction was overturned in August 2026 after a judge ruled that prosecutors had failed to disclose key ballistic evidence during his trials. Despite the overturned conviction, Vedam was immediately taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement due to a prior drug conviction from 1984. He is currently being held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center as he fights deportation, with the Justice Department's Board of Immigration Appeals agreeing to hear his case.

  • Vedam's first-degree murder conviction was overturned in August 2026.
  • The second episode of the new season of 'True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here' featuring Vedam's case is scheduled to premiere on Sundance TV at 10 p.m. on February 27, 2026.

The players

Subramanyam 'Subu' Vedam

A State College man who spent over 40 years in prison before his murder conviction was overturned in 2026.

Hilarie Burton

The host of the true crime docuseries 'True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here,' who has expressed strong support for Vedam's case.

Centre County President Judge Jonathan Grine

The judge who overturned Vedam's first-degree murder conviction in 2026, citing prosecutors' failure to disclose key evidence.

Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna

The district attorney who initially fought to defend Vedam's conviction but ultimately dropped the murder charge, citing the difficulty of a third trial.

Saraswathi Vedam

Subu Vedam's older sister, who has expressed resolve in continuing the fight for his freedom.

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What they’re saying

“It is such a grave injustice what's happening to him right now. We're in this really delicate phase where we want to be respectful of the people who have Subu's fate in their hands right now, but we also want to be very firm.”

— Hilarie Burton, Host, 'True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here' (People)

“Subu is nothing if not resilient, and we're resolved to emulate the example he sets for us by focusing on the next step in his fight for freedom. We continue to believe his immigration case is strong and look forward to the day we can be together again.”

— Saraswathi Vedam, Subu Vedam's older sister (Statement)

What’s next

The Justice Department's Board of Immigration Appeals has agreed to hear Subu Vedam's case, though no hearings have been scheduled as of yet. Vedam remains detained at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center as he continues to fight deportation.

The takeaway

Vedam's case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those wrongfully convicted, even after their names have been cleared, as they navigate the complex legal system to regain their freedom. The docuseries aims to bring greater awareness to such 'grave injustices' occurring in small communities across the country.