‘Sing Sing’ Star Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez Exonerated In 1998 Murder Case

Source: Samantha Burkardt / Getty / Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez

Velazquez has a lot to celebrate. Not only is the film based on his actual time as a formerly incarcerated man who found purpose through the RTA (Rehabilitation Through The Arts) program starring Colman Domingo , generating plenty of award buzz, but he has also been acquitted in the 1998 murder case.

Deadline reported on the moments immediately following Velazquez learning he was acquitted of the murder he was allegedly involved in.

Per Deadline :

Velazquez reportedly thumped his chest and pumped his fist as he was officially cleared by Judge Abraham Clott in a Manhattan courthouse Monday morning.

“With the consent of the People I am granting the petition to set aside the verdict on the grounds of newly discovered evidence,” Clott said.

Velazquez is among Sing Sing’s ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors. The drama takes place at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, where Velazquez was falsely imprisoned for 23 years. He was released in 2021 when his sentence was commuted.

What Exactly Happened That Led To Velazquez’s Original Conviction

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L Bragg spoke on the 48-year-old’s exoneration in the murder of 59-year-old Albert Ward in a statement, adding that Velazquez “has lived in the shadow of his conviction for more than 25 years, and I hope that today brings with it a new chapter for him.”

Bragg spoke about the robbery of a gambling parlor, Frederick Douglas Boulevard, in Harlem by two individuals on January 27, 1998.

Ward, who was a retired police detective, pulled out a gun during the robbery, and a struggle took place between Ward and one of the armed robbers named “Tee,” leading to Ward being shot and killed by Tee.

DNA testing of a betting slip handled by Tee cleared Velazquez of the crime.

Congrats to Velazquez; you can peep our interview with the now-exonerated actor by heading here .

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