Listen Now Introducing: Letters from Sing Sing 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? Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, a journalist, and the letter that changed both of their lives.
Dateline Letters from Sing Sing Episode 1: 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. Transcript: JJ
Dateline Letters from Sing Sing Episode 2: 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. Transcript: 74 Minutes
Dateline Letters from Sing Sing Episode 3: Eyewitnesses Police said five people identified JJ as the man who killed Al Ward. Dan sets out to find them. Transcript: Eyewitnesses
Dateline Letters from Sing Sing Episode 4: Peer Pressure Dan talks to two jurors from JJ’s trial and tracks down the alleged accomplice. JJ’s story finally goes public. Transcript: Peer Pressure
Dateline Letters from Sing Sing Episode 5: Integrity The Manhattan DA’s office reinvestigates JJ’s case. A tip surfaces about Mustafa and Dan follows it to Seattle. Transcript: Integrity
Dateline Letters from Sing Sing Episode 6: Friendship JJ turns 40. Jon gets in trouble. Dan receives a mysterious envelope with missing police reports. Transcript: Friendship
Dateline Letters from Sing Sing Episode 7: The Call For the first time in 19 years, JJ puts on a suit and goes to court. Transcript: The Call
Dateline Letters from Sing Sing Episode 8: The Apology JJ is out of prison, but in the eyes of the law, he is still a convicted killer. Transcript: The Apology