Pennsylvania, USA: The Indian community in State College, Pennsylvania, has rallied behind Subramanyam "Subu" Vedam, who has maintained his innocence for over 40 years in the murder of his friend, Thomas Kinser. Vedam was convicted in 1980, but new evidence recently discovered could clear his name. A court hearing is scheduled for February 6-7, 2024, at the Centre County Courthouse to review the case.

In 1980, Vedam was accused of murdering his former roommate, Kinser, who was found dead months after going missing. Vedam, then 21, was sentenced to life in prison. However, new findings, including bullet casing evidence and details about the size of Kinser's gunshot wound, suggest that Vedam could not have committed the crime. His defense team argues that crucial evidence was withheld during the original trial, violating the precedent set by Brady v. Maryland, which mandates that evidence supporting a defendant's innocence must be shared.

The Vedam family, one of the first Indian families in State College, initially started a tradition of hosting story hours, which has evolved into a support group focused on advocating for Vedam's case. Family and friends, like Bhushan Jayarao, recall how difficult it was to see an Indian man incarcerated and the impact it had on the local Indian community. Vedam's sister, Saraswathi, described him as a nonviolent person, contradicting the allegations.

The community remains hopeful that the upcoming court hearing will lead to justice, believing the newly uncovered evidence will prove Vedam's innocence.