‘Sing Sing Chronicles’ Docuseries to Investigate Wrongful Convictions of JJ Velazquez and Five Other Innocent Men

As a lifelong cinema devotee who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of documentaries and true crime stories, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration for “The Sing Sing Chronicles.” This four-episode docuseries not only promises to shed light on the intricate workings of America’s criminal justice system, but it also tells the compelling story of Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, a man whose life was shattered by a wrongful conviction.


MSNBC unveiled a new documentary series called “The Sing Sing Chronicles,” which is a four-part investigative program that narrates the tale of Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, an actor from A24’s “Sing Sing” who was released from prison following a wrongful murder conviction on Monday after nearly 24 years behind bars. This documentary series, helmed by Dawn Porter and supported by over two decades of investigative work by NBC News’ Dan Slepian, will also shed light on the unjust convictions of five other men who spent time at Sing Sing Correctional Facility.

The series titled ‘The Sing Sing Chronicles’ is set to air on MSNBC, specifically on the 23rd and 24th of November at 9 p.m. ET. This four-part production will first be unveiled at DOC NYC earlier in November.

The series offers unparalleled insight into one of America’s notorious prisons, focusing on the intricacies of the criminal justice system through a journalist’s relationship with an inmate serving a murder conviction within the confines of Sing Sing Correctional Facility, as described by NBCUniversal.

The docuseries taps into more than 1,000 hours of original footage filmed between 2002 and 2024, centering on Velazquez, who was wrongfully convicted of the murder of a retired New York police officer in 1998. He was sentenced to 25 years to life, despite the fact that he did not match the suspect description and had an alibi corroborated by phone records. The reporting on the case, which began with a “Dateline NBC” investigation starting in 2002, unearthed critical new evidence that questioned the prosecution’s case against Velazquez.

In the course of Slepian’s investigation, Velazquez introduced him to multiple individuals claiming innocence in separate homicide cases. Slepian’s reporting on these cases ultimately contributed to their acquittals. However, Velazquez himself remained imprisoned until he received clemency and was released on parole in 2021.

The series builds upon the coverage that Slepian provided in the “Letters From Sing Sing” podcast, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

In a statement, Porter shared, “I started my film career by recording public defenders as they navigated the criminal justice system. Through this experience, I witnessed up close how challenging it can be for those accused of crimes to receive fair treatment. However, what Dan Slepian’s cameras captured over two decades far surpassed my expectations regarding the extent and magnitude of injustice. This series provided me with an opportunity to shine a light on the crucial work of legal advocates, journalists, and the extraordinary individuals who allowed us to share their stories. We owe the most gratitude to reporters like Dan Slepian, who refuse to look away when faced with injustice. It’s a privilege to assist in telling their story.

Velazquez is an advocate for criminal justice reform, who co-founded Voices From Within, a program that tackles the issue of crime and imprisonment by amplifying the voices of those currently incarcerated. Not long after his release from Sing Sing prison, he starred in the A24 film “Sing Sing.” In an interview with EbMaster, he called this project one of the most significant accomplishments of his life.

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2024-09-30 23:47