The murder of retired police officer Albert Ward was revealed on January 27, 1998 by authorities in Harlem, New York City. It appeared to be an open-and-shut case due to a number of eyewitnesses.
'Letters from Sing Sing' chronicles the horrific murder and even follows the investigation that ultimately led to Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez. However, law enforcement officers knew they had a complex investigation underway. Let's find out where JJ is right now.
Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez: Who is he?
Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez, a New York City resident, was wrongly implicated in the death of Albert Ward. Besides, people who know JJ describe him as a compassionate individual who treat others with kindness and empathy. However, little did others know that his life would be turned upside when he was charged with murder in 1998.
Two individuals attempted to rob a reportedly illegal gambling parlor in Harlem, New York, on January 27, 1998. According to sources, one of the men visited the establishment shortly before the murder to make a wager. However, Tee soon returned and took out a pistol before announcing his intention to rob the place. Soon afterwards, a dark-skinned guy tied up the people present at the establishment.
Albert Ward, a retired police officer, took out his revolver and decided to fight back against the robbers. Tee soon entered the room and shot Albert at close range, killing him on the spot. Later, an autopsy determined that Albert died of a gunshot wound, and the police were aware of a crime investigation underway.
Although the initial investigation was difficult, the cops read several interviews and concluded that the main suspect was a dark-skinned man named Mustafa, who was known for his long hair. Hence, law enforcement officers requested a photographic lineup, and both witnesses chose Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez to face the charges in Albert's death.
Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez: Where is he now?
JJ argued his innocence and pled not guilty in court. However, the jury ruled otherwise and sentenced him to 25 years to life in 1998. He studied hard for a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science and became a certified paralegal. This helped him understand the legal rules and regulations of his case.
JJ began educating other prisoners alongside Columbia University teachers, and he began developing good relationships with the people around him. In 2002, JJ wrote a detailed letter to investigative producer and 'Dateline: NBC' veteran Dan Slepian, informing him of his situation. He began arranging for other victims of injustice to contact Dan.
JJ's attorneys discovered two other witnesses who claimed Mustafa confessed to Albert's murder, and he was granted clemency in August 2021. JJ has been a vocal advocate for justice since his release.
JJ is also a Criminal Legal Reform and Media Consultant and is determined not to allow anyone to suffer the same fate as he did. However, he is still on parole at the time of writing and is employed by the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, through which he organizes civilian prison visits. JJ is also working to develop a program for prisoners at Sing Sing prison.
