HARRISBURG, Pa. — A U.S. immigration judge has paved the way for the possible release of Subramanyam Vedam, who spent nearly 40 years in prison for a murder conviction that has since been overturned. During a four-hour hearing held remotely from the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Pennsylvania, Vedam maintained his innocence regarding the death of Thomas Kinser, who disappeared in December 1980. Judge Adam Panopoulos concluded that Vedam demonstrated genuine rehabilitation and does not pose a danger to society, highlighting his contributions to literacy among inmates and the support from his family, who have never known him as a free man. The judge noted, He has grown as a person, emphasizing Vedam's dedication to enriching the lives of others through academic pursuits. However, a Department of Homeland Security lawyer indicated that Vedam could still be deported due to separate drug distribution charges. Born in Mumbai and brought to the U.S. as an infant, Vedam was a legal permanent resident and was close to becoming a naturalized citizen when arrested. His attorney plans to seek his release on bond, as the DHS has one month to appeal the ruling. Vedam aims to reside with relatives in California and has been accepted into a doctoral program at Oregon State University. The prosecutor decided against retrying Vedam after determining that evidence critical to his defense was withheld during his initial trials. Vedam expressed his innocence throughout the ordeal, which began in 1982 after Kinser's remains were discovered months after his disappearance. Despite being cleared of the murder charge, Vedam faces challenges due to prior drug convictions. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as he navigates the complexities of immigration and seeks to rebuild his life.