Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, the actor who starred in the movie “Sing Sing” after serving nearly 24 years in prison, has been officially cleared of a murder he did not commit. The Manhattan judge vacated his wrongful conviction in the killing of retired police officer Albert Ward during a robbery in 1998.
Velazquez, now 48 years old, expressed his relief and gratitude outside the court, wearing a cap that read “End of an Error” while raising his hands in victory alongside his mother. He acknowledged feeling lucky and appreciated the support he received from many people over the years.
Despite his exoneration, Velazquez raised concerns about the justice system, questioning whether his case received attention only due to its notoriety. He emphasized the need for a fairer system that prioritizes freeing the innocent rather than imprisoning the poor.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office supported Velazquez’s request to overturn his conviction, citing newly discovered DNA evidence that cleared his name. This development marks a new chapter in Velazquez’s life after living under the shadow of his conviction for more than 25 years.
In the film “Sing Sing,” Velazquez played himself alongside other former inmates and actor Colman Domingo. The movie portrays an incarcerated man leading a theater program at the historic maximum-security prison.
Velazquez had originally been sentenced to 25 years to life at Sing Sing before being granted early release in 2021 by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo. The case against him relied heavily on eyewitness testimonies, two of which were later recanted.
The efforts to overturn Velazquez’s conviction gained momentum over the years, with support from actor Martin Sheen and media coverage. The reopening of the case in 2022 led to the discovery that Velazquez’s DNA did not match evidence from the crime scene.
During his time in prison, Velazquez pursued education, worked as a teaching fellow, and engaged in various programs aimed at preventing gun violence and mentoring youth. He also assisted other inmates in appealing their convictions and has continued this work since his release.
Velazquez’s story sheds light on the flaws within the justice system and the importance of continued efforts to seek justice and exoneration for those wrongfully convicted. His journey from incarceration to freedom serves as a reminder of the resilience and perseverance needed to overcome injustices.
