Man Freed After 40 Years in Prison Can Stay in U.S., Judge Rules

Subramanyam Vedam, 64, had his murder conviction overturned but was then taken into ICE custody, sparking a legal battle over his deportation.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:03am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a prison cell window with warm, golden sunlight streaming in, casting deep shadows across the frame and evoking a sense of hope and possibility for the future.After over 40 years behind bars, Subramanyam Vedam can now look forward to a new chapter in his life outside of prison.State College Today

A man in ICE custody since his murder conviction was overturned last year can stay in the United States, an immigration judge has ruled. Subramanyam Vedam, 64, spent over 40 years in prison before his conviction was vacated in August 2025. A day after the charges were dropped, he was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Despite Thursday's decision, Vedam won't be released right away as he and his attorney still must file a bond request.

Why it matters

The case has unfolded at a moment of high tension across the nation's immigration system as the White House's push to reshape the country has made the odds of overcoming deportation tougher. The immigration judge could have ruled for Vedam to be deported to India, which he left as an infant, but instead decided he should be allowed to stay in the U.S. after weighing his personal transformation and contributions while incarcerated.

The details

Vedam was sentenced to life in prison without parole for a murder he maintains he never committed. In August 2025, a judge vacated his murder conviction after a team of attorneys revealed prosecutors had withheld potentially critical ballistics evidence during his two trials. A day after his charges were dropped, he was taken into ICE custody on a deportation order that never went away from a drug-related conviction. Despite the overturned murder conviction, the Department of Homeland Security has continued its push for his deportation.

  • In August 2025, a judge vacated Vedam's murder conviction.
  • A day after the charges were dropped, Vedam was taken into ICE custody.
  • On May 4, the Department of Homeland Security has until to appeal the immigration judge's decision.

The players

Subramanyam Vedam

A 64-year-old man who spent over 40 years in prison before his murder conviction was overturned in August 2025.

Saraswathi Vedam

Vedam's sister, who testified in support of him staying in the United States.

Adam Panopoulos

The immigration judge who ruled that Vedam can stay in the United States.

Ava Benach

Vedam's attorney.

Thomas Kinser

Vedam's friend and former roommate, who was killed in 1980.

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What they’re saying

“I'd like to recognize that I have a really, really special family. I'd also like to thank the many, many friends that have supported and believed in me over the past 44 years. Without their belief in justice, I don't think my success would have been possible.”

— Subramanyam Vedam

“It wasn't fair that they didn't live to see this moment and that he had lost so many decades of his life.”

— Saraswathi Vedam, Subramanyam Vedam's sister

What’s next

Vedam and his attorney still must file a bond request, and the Department of Homeland Security has until May 4 to appeal the immigration judge's decision.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by individuals navigating the U.S. immigration system, especially those with prior convictions. The judge's decision to allow Vedam to stay in the country after his murder conviction was overturned reflects the importance of considering personal growth and transformation, even in cases with complicated legal histories.