9 episodes
Letters from Sing Sing NBC News
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- True Crime
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4.9 • 2.3K 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
Outstanding
One of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to.
Unforgettable
This episode….. I have no words. In tears after I heard his Mother’s wail. It was gut wrenching. Felt it in my soul.
Great Work and Story Dan!
Dan it may have taken 20+ years but without your help and visibility JJ may not have seen his freedom! Great to hear that he is putting his life back together and hopefully exoneration will follow…you should feel great that your work made a true difference in JJ’s life.