9 episodes
Letters from Sing Sing NBC News
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- True Crime
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4.9 • 3.6K Ratings
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In December of 2002, NBC News producer Dan Slepian got a letter from a New York state prison. It was from a man serving 25 years to life for murder. And it ended with a desperate plea: look into my case.
Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez had been convicted of killing a retired New York City police officer, but he insisted he didn’t do it. Dan was skeptical. Prosecutors said five eyewitnesses had sworn JJ was the killer. Could five people be wrong?
So Dan began to dig. What he discovered went far beyond just JJ’s case. And 20 years later, it’s still unfolding.
Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, a journalist, and the letter that changed both of their lives. New episodes drop every Monday through March 27, 2023.
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JJ
Dan Slepian receives a letter from a man in prison. He’s been convicted of murder, but he insists he’s innocent. He even challenges Dan to prove him guilty.
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74 Minutes
Dan checks out JJ’s alibi and pours over the 2,000-page trial transcript. It’s clear to him the trial was strange and he’s left with more questions.
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Eyewitnesses
Police said five people identified JJ as the man who killed Al Ward. Dan sets out to find them.
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Peer Pressure
Dan talks to two jurors from JJ’s trial and tracks down the alleged accomplice. JJ’s story finally goes public.
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Integrity
The Manhattan DA’s office reinvestigates JJ’s case. A tip surfaces about Mustafa and Dan follows it to Seattle.
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Friendship
JJ turns 40. Jon gets in trouble. Dan receives a mysterious envelope with missing police reports.
Customer Reviews
Incredible Story
JJ’s story is truly amazing. This young man took an incredibly unfortunate situation and used it to give life and voice to a problem that seems to be all to common in our justice system. This podcast had me captivated. I tell everyone I know to listen to it! Keep fighting the good fight JJ!
Emotionally Charged and Incredibly Life-Changing: ‘Letters from Sing Sing’ Is a Must-Listen
‘Letters from Sing Sing’ with JJ Velazquez and Dan Slepian is more than just a podcast; it is a transformative experience. JJ is a powerful symbol of hope, bravery, and resilience and he is a true testament to the human spirit, facing a life sentence and enduring over two decades of suffering and torture behind bars for a crime he did not commit. JJ has the most beautiful soul and it breaks my heart that he has lost almost 24 years of his precious life that he will never get back. His unjust and unfair conviction by our corrupt legal system is truly an eye opener and we all must do our part to fight for him and for those who are wronged, silenced, and oppressed.
Dan’s unwavering fight for the truth about JJ’s wrongful conviction is riveting and awe-inspiring. Dan is truly an agent of change in this world and his relentless work in investigative reporting has changed the lives of many like JJ who are victims of wrongful convictions. Dan, thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you’ve done for JJ and for never giving up on the continued fight for JJ’s freedom.
You will be so moved and inspired by JJ’s valiant mother Maria Velazquez, the true unsung hero. Maria’s devotion to her son JJ is remarkable and their inseparable bond demonstrates what unconditional love is. This everlasting love extends into the relationship between JJ and his sons, Jon-Adrian Jr and Jacob Velazquez. It is by their faith and undying hope in reuniting with their father as a free man that fueled JJ’s fight for justice.
If you’re looking for a podcast that will touch your heart, challenge your beliefs, and leave you with a newfound perspective on life, ‘Letters from Sing Sing’ is an absolute must-listen. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and forever changed by this exceptional story of hope, love, and truth.
Amazing
Absolutely amazing story. Unbelievable that this is the narrative of just one person stuck in a system of injustice. Listened to the entire podcast in one day. Well written and to be able to hear JJ”s voice and feel the ups and downs was suspenseful, hopeful and heartbreaking.