Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, a talented actor known for his role in “Sing Sing,” has been officially exonerated after spending nearly 24 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
The emotional moment unfolded in a downtown Manhattan courthouse, where the 48-year-old Velazquez, surrounded by friends and family, celebrated his newfound freedom with tears of joy and heartfelt embraces.
His mother’s tears were particularly poignant as she cried out, “27 years!” reflecting on the lengthy journey since Velazquez was first convicted.
The courtroom was filled with support, including fellow “Sing Sing” actor Clarence Maclin and director Greg Kwedar, all present to witness this momentous occasion.
“Sing Sing,” produced by A24, features Velazquez alongside Colman Domingo in a poignant story about incarcerated men finding purpose through theater.
Filmed at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, where Velazquez was wrongfully imprisoned, the project highlights the talent of formerly incarcerated actors.
As he exited the courthouse, a cheering crowd waved Puerto Rican flags and chanted “¡Sí se puede!” in a show of solidarity.
Velazquez, donning a hat that read “End of an Error,” was soon swarmed by reporters.
In an interview with NBC’s Lester Holt, he reflected on the challenges he faced as a father and described his imprisonment as a form of enslavement.
“This is not a celebration. This is an indictment of the system,” he asserted, calling attention to the ongoing issues of wrongful convictions.
In 1998, Velazquez was wrongfully convicted of murdering a retired police officer.
Despite having an alibi supported by phone records, he was sentenced to 25 years to life.
A significant turning point came when “Dateline NBC” conducted an in-depth investigation into his case, which began in 2002 and unveiled new evidence in his favor.
This led to a review by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit.
After years of advocacy, Velazquez was granted executive clemency by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo in August 2021 and was released from Sing Sing on September 9, 2021.
His story received further attention in October 2022 when President Joe Biden issued a rare apology to him on behalf of society during a criminal legal reform forum.
Ahead of his exoneration, Velazquez expressed hope that it would finally lift the “scarlet letter” placed upon him.
“It’s a lot deeper than discrimination; it comes down to diminishing a person’s human dignity. I’m getting a part of my dignity back,” he shared. However, he also acknowledged the lasting trauma that remains unaddressed within the justice system.
An advocate for criminal legal reform, JJ Velazquez co-founded Voices From Within, an initiative that amplifies the experiences of incarcerated individuals.
He began filming “Sing Sing” less than a year after his release, describing it as one of the most important projects of his life.
The film tells the true story of John “Divine G” Whitfield, who, like Velazquez, finds purpose through the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program while imprisoned at Sing Sing.
The film operates on a community-based financial model, ensuring that every cast and crew member is paid equally and shares in its success.
In a joint statement, producers Kwedar, Monique Walton, and Clint Bentley praised Velazquez’s exoneration as a significant milestone in his journey and noted his commitment to advocating for those still incarcerated.
Viewers can expect to learn more about Velazquez’s story in the upcoming MSNBC docuseries “The Sing Sing Chronicles,” directed by Dawn Porter.
As he steps into the spotlight, Velazquez is eager to pursue more acting opportunities.
“I’m doing what I’m passionate about,” he said, emphasizing the joy of being surrounded by great people while making a living doing what he loves.
In the wake of his exoneration, JJ Velazquez stands as a powerful example of resilience and hope, inspiring others to advocate for justice and reform in the criminal justice system.
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