E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSJon-Adrian Velazquez, convicted of murdering a retired NYPD officer in 1997, is serving 25 years to life in Sing Sing Correctional Facility. A 10-year Dateline investigation revisits all the key players in the case and poses the question: Could Velazquez be innocent? Luke Russert reports 'Conviction' on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 7pm/6c.
For 14 years, Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez has lived behind bars, convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life for murder. As the years have passed, JJ has been a reluctant bystander to his own life, watching his world change from inside prison walls. In that time, his two sons have grown from children to teenagers. Jon-Adrian, Jr. was 5 when his dad was taken from him; his brother Jacob was just a month old. Their mother, JJ's girlfriend at the time, moved on with her life, and found a new relationship a few years after he went away. Yet through it all, one thing has remained constant: JJ has always insisted that he is innocent.
Courtesy of Maria Velazquez
Jon-Adrian Velazquez with his girlfriend and two sons a month before he was arrested in 1998.
I first heard about JJ in 2002, when I was working on a different "Dateline segment that detailed the plight of two men who were convicted of the 1990 murder at the Palladium nightclub in New York City. The men insisted they were innocent, and in an unusual twist, they had a veteran NYPD detective and a respected former federal prosecutor fighting for them. It would take five long years to finally see those men vindicated. We documented many disturbing revelations along the way, and it was all told in our 2007 broadcast, "In the Shadow of Justice."
Inside the prison, JJ heard about our investigation of the Palladium case, and he began to write me letters. The first one arrived on Dec. 5, 2002. Having worked at "Dateline" for 16 years, I've received many similar pleas from inmates who declare they are innocent. Most are either lying or don't have the proof to back up their claims. But there was something about JJ's letters that stirred something in me. So I decided to visit him, and to be open to the possibility that maybe he was telling the truth. As we sat down in the visiting room at the maximum security Greenhaven Correctional facility, I was surprised to find that he was not withdrawn or despondent or even resigned to his fate. To the contrary, he was vibrant, articulate and adamant not just of his innocence but of his eventual vindication.
Witness error: How mind tricks can land the innocent behind bars
At that meeting, I remember JJ challenging me to try and find him guilty. He wanted me to turn over every stone. He insisted that he was an innocent man. I promised him I would take him up on his challenge, but if he lied to me about anything -- even one time -- I wouldn't be coming back. He didn't appear concerned.
NBC's Dateline Correspondent Luke Russert discusses Dateline's upcoming documentary that follows the conviction of Jon-Adrian Velazquez, who's been in jail for 15 years for a crime he says he didn't commit. Jon-Adrian's mother, Maria, also joins Rev. Al Sharpton and says her son is innocent.
The more I learned, the more I was drawn to the story. If the Palladium case represented a bureaucracy gone terribly wrong, JJ's story was something entirely different. It was the story of a 22 year old man convicted on painfully thin evidence and then forgotten, no longer represented by attorneys and without legal recourse. He filed his own final appeal to the courts, and was denied. He couldn't afford his own investigation, and with nowhere else to turn for help, he wrote to me and asked for it.
It's taken 10 years, but on Sunday, you will hear JJ's story. You will hear from the witnesses who convicted him. You will meet one of the jurors who said, "Guilty." You will meet the lawyers who now say a grave injustice was done, and learn of the evidence that they say should set him free.
Despite his guilt or innocence, what's most interesting to me about JJ's story is how difficult it is to get a case reconsidered once a jury has rendered a verdict. The experts will tell you that any inmate who has been convicted by a jury faces an uphill battle – and with good reason. The hard truth is once convicted and considered by an appellate court, the cell door locks and it won't reopen without evidence short of a confession from the real killer or DNA -- something that seems about as likely as lightning striking that lock. And sometimes even that isn't enough.
For good or bad, that's the system. But one thing is for sure: to stand up to it, and to withstand it, you'll need a healthy dose of conviction.
Dan Slepian is a producer at "Dateline NBC." Click here to send him an email.
Leave a Comment:
Year there all Innocent. He's a cop killer.
Got proof?
Year there? You don't sound like a lawyer.
I just watched Dateline about this Jon-Adrian Valasquez, and being in prison all these years, and my heart just wanted to burst!!! I want to scream!!!! This man is INNOCENT and i just can not believe how they did this to him!! He never had dredlocks or cornrows!! They have pictures that show his SHORT HAIR! He has PHONE RECORDS showing he was on the phone with his mother as they were grieving the one year anniversary of his dad's death!!!! oh GOD!!! i can't take this. The so-called witnesses admit they were pressured into picking SOMEONE!! TO save their own ASSES!!!!! They admit they are not positive it was who they picked at all!! arghh!! I am a mother of a wonderful 22 year old son, and to think that this could have happened or COULD happen to him!!! a TOTALLY INNOCENT young man.. it makes me sick! I WANT THE WORLD TO HEAR ME SCREAM OUT THIS MAN'S INNOCENCE!! I thank GOD for DatelineNBC for the hope that one day because of their perseverence and BELIEF in his innocence and the TOTAL LACK OF EVIDENCE, this precious young man will be set free! I am heartsick and so disappointed in the justice system for doing this to an innocent man. Jay Jay spoke through his SOUL and his entire being could be heard, INNOCENT INNOCENT INNOCENT!! I have never in my life commented on anything i have ever seen on TV. There's nothing special about me that i feel the world needs to hear my opinion, so i keep quiet. BUT NOT TODAY! NOT FOR HIM! I will speak out and i will scream out his innocence. Those poor sons of his, who had such a caring, loving, wonderful father, that they had to have him ripped out of their lives, oh this is the saddest, he most painful story. PLEASE, continue to stand behind this man, and if you can do nothing else, please PRAY for his strength and protection. My heart cries for him. I am so hoping for his freedom as soon as possible. Oh God, Jay Jay I am so sorry!!Such a horrifying injustice! I will not stop praying until you are FREE!!
Are you a cop killer? Grow up and get a life, PLEASE.
what is it with the "year there" stuff? How about speaking English we all can understand. In any case, I think the reporters did a good job at presenting the flaws in this case...I just hope he can get this case appealed. The x-prosecuting attorney was a straight up DICK! What kind of attorney gets on TV and says what he said. The NYC wanted someone and it didn't matter...any minority would do. Everyone knows that "eyewitness testimony" is a joke. They have done research after research, it is just not credible. Further all three of the witness were unreliable from the start. OMG what a travesty. He deserves a new trial...where is the petition we can sign?
I agree with Ginamarie88...I was furious when watching that this man was found guilty based on witnesses who were not credible. There isn't any DNA evidence to prove he was there, he doesn't fit the description of the man witnesses said they saw and he was on the phone with his Mom.
This man should be set free immediately!!
I watched Dateline about Jon-Adrian Valasquez, a man that has been locked away from society for many years because of the broken justice system. I believe this man is innocent and I pray to God that he be released. He needs to be part of his children's life. It's not fair to his children to see their father behind bars for a crime he didn't commit. I could see the HURT in their face. Please set him free so he can enjoy the rest of his life and develop a close relationship with his children. "Life is Short"
All Americans who get seated on a jury must remember this fact that was less well known when Jon-Adrian was convicted...science has shown that eye witness testimony is not reliable....and a lot less reliable than it seems. WHen we are on juries and it come up we can say this and remind people and instill the doubt that needs to be instilled. Juries convict "beyond a reasonable doubt". There was plenty of doubt here and AMericans need to learn that "eyewitness testimony" alone by itself has reasonable doubt almost built in when the description of the killer does not match the defendant, and there is an alibi as well.
My goodness the killer had dreds and the defendant could prove he never did. And few young mothers with an infant and a preschooler alone at home would EVER talk to their mother in law for 1.5 hrs. It was the first birthday after his dad died...that's a very hard time. He had a decent alibi. I'm at the point that I am tired of police and their bullying questioning and threats. Torture doesn't get reliable information...neither apparently does threatening people with being charged with a crime or targetted.
My heart goes out to JJ. I hope he can finally get out. he is innocent. @!$%# all cops. What's up with that cop running a drug house anyway.
i fill his pain i have a nephew who is in jail for life for something he did not do the witness say it was a light guy who shot the man and my nephew is not light at all but the jury found my nephew guilty. they did not look at none of the evidence or listen to the witness they just wanted to put my nephew away because he was a black teen. so i feel his pain
If it happened in NYC chances are he is innocent.
I look forward to this, although I wish Dateline would go back to its transcripts, so I can read them while I am eating lunch here at work.
here here!
Hot In Miami - I am shocked to learn that you are employed! I don't think there's a comment board I've seen in the last few months that didn't have a comment by you on it... Not a criticism, or anything really other than an expression of true surprise to find that you have time for anything else.
lil anomie, You're way off target here. I would bet that Wish-I-had-A/C-in-Miami is posting FROM work. A blocked web sight environ that is company controlled and a job with time spare time for reading the news is most likely the highest % of regular posters. Although retirees may compete for the title. Not to say that nearly ALL my posts are from work, but.....I'm not saying they're not either. As to the subject at hand, all these prosecutors, who REFUSE to admit they convicted an innocent man/woman when there is not just questionable guilt, but serious evidence of innocence, because they are seeking a public office and concerned about their image more than they are about allowing an innocent that they placed in prison rot there, should face the amount of time in prison, said innocent stays in jail until release, from the time evidence of innocence is presented to prosecutor. This kind of COMMON disregard for others has got to be removed from our political machine. I'd really much rather vote for one who can admit they were wrong and are damaged by the fact that they unintentionally put the wrong man away than one who feels that the sacrifice of an innocent is not as important as their ambitions. (Sorry, I know my wording is confusing, but I think you get the gist of what I'm trying to say.)
I agree about the transcripts. My hearing sux so I like to read.
If he is innocent and can somehow prove it and be set free then he will have a nice retirement guaranteed by the state, errrr, tax payers. We need to have accountability from 'officials and politicians' with powers to send people away, or release, otherwise the system will be used and abused. (Look at that governor which just pardoned how many killers. I want his @$$ in a sling if any of them kill again.)
Our prisons are filled with innocent people, and it is not those that were convicted of murder that I am talking about. It is the people who are in prison because of the drug war. Our justice system is broken. Prisons are a travesty of justice. We need to rethink our entire system of government.
Awesome. I wonder if the murder victim was "taken from" any children or maybe a wife. No Dateline special for him, huh?
Excellent question. No one wants to take anything away from the victim's family. Actually, if this man is innocent then the real solution is to give something to the victim's family - the real killer. False convictions harm the victim as much as they do the innocent person because they let the real crminial continue to walk among us, free to do it again. That's why getting the right person is important, but no one will look for the right person as long as there is already someone in jail for the offense.
accomplice, suspects, and a man on heroin at the time..thats the witnesses against him, with ZERO physical evidence..dont you think it at least warrants a further look?
@Jakoye, Yes, you're right, the family of the deceased man probably did grieve as well they should! Now, didn't they say he was a retired cop, running a gambling shack? With drug dealers and addicts as participants? They convicted this man off of a drug dealer, heroin addict, and a blind lady! SMH!
Cool. Make someone pay for the crime. Really doesn't matter if it's the one who committed the crime. Someone's gotta pay. Hard to understand that mentality, but a lot seem to posses it. Bet if these people were railroaded, maybe then it would be a bit more important to put the REAL criminal away. Or even in a box in some cases. But, it HAS GOT TO BE the guilty person. We have to be sure BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT. Period. Life's too short to have 10 + or - years taken from us undeservedly. Even for millions of $. Isn't worth the time lost. Though I know a lot will disagree about that.
That brings up a serious point: Sometimes the victims are determined that SOMEBODY is going to pay for the crime. They even get to the point where they don't really care if it is the actual perp or not - just punish SOMEBODY.
They'll pick somebody out of a lineup if they look anything like the perp, then convince themselves that he's "the one".
I never know what to believe about stories such as this one. Obviously, if the man is innocent, I hope that he is freed. But from a news story all you can know are the surface facts. This particular story does not even give you this much.
It tells you that the man says he is innocent, that the reporter believes him and that there is an impending TV broadcase on the case that we should watch. In short: it is an advertisment.
So... if he is innocent, I wish him luck. If not, he's right where he deserves to be.
It doesn't give you more than the "surface facts" because there will be a program on Sunday night. Of course they aren't gong to give it a way.
While it's not quite an "advertisement" -- it's definitely a teaser!
Yes and "surface facts" convicted this man. Wrong!
Wow! If this man is innocent, I agree with a previous commentor that we need to start locking up police, judges or anyone else who is responsible for sending INNOCENT people to jail! Cops do a lot of wrong, however, never pay for THEIR wrongs. Enough is enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All too true that once that guilty verdict is read, it is an uphill battle to get exhonerated short of "aha" evidence. Even with that evidence, prosecutors have dragged their feet when they have proven wrong, or have even outright lied. Faith in the system is getting shaky, and it is becoming an open secret that the difference between a conviction and acquittal is how much cash the defense is willing to pay. Don't take my word for it...just google the wrongful convictions, and among them, tell me how many were wealthy. Don't be too surprised.
this will certainly put the new DA's integrity to the test and that of his new unit. Lets see what kind of guy he is. I think we all know had any of this info Dateline dug up been known at trial the judge probably would have thrown the case out for lack of evidence. It amounts to a serious case of reasonable doubt at the very least. Even if the one witness wont recant, he freely admits in the piece that he was in fact high on heroin at the time..hardly a credible witness. And the granny coming back days later to positively ID him after she couldnt the first time, and THEN she says in court "ill never forget him..thats him!" as she points TO JUROR NUMBER 6!!!!!! If that isnt a shaky ID, then what is??
WM. Sanders, I bet you'd be surprised by how few ARE surprised.
Another Mumia Abu-Jamal. During all my time as a correctional officer I never met a guilty person.
I can relate to that Quahaug, As a DPS officer in Nevada back in the 70's. I never once arrested a guilty person. Never once carried a guilty person to jail not once! But I have often wondered how many were telling the truth and were actually innocent. There are some powerful folks in Nevada, if they don't like you well.....on your way to jail you can tell the officer your not guilty.
Except for the hundreds of people exonerated based on DNA evidence . . .
But those guys were all guilty too right? We might as well execute all of them. Better to kill 100 innocent people than let 1 guilty man go free right?
And you're never wrong? Don't be part of the problem by taking offense with this. We all know a large majority ARE guilty. But it HAS to be 100%. No taking chances with innocents lives at all. WE HAVE TO BE SURE DAMN IT! When we are 100% sure, then throw away the key or whatever.
Well Kids I guess we need to just watch the show and get some more facts, don't we? I am all for the guilty paying the price but you have to have the right person. Only time will tell what we need to know. I do believe that there are more than a few not guilty in the prison system. There are bad cops that make it hard for the legal system to work properly, we have heard more than a few examples. We will just have to wait and see...
Two words: Innocence Project. If that group does its work properly it will find the truth.
Unfortunately, I suspect there are many more cases out there than the Innocence Project has the time or the money to research.
The problem with our legal system is its based on "all parties telling the whole truth and nothing but...
If that happens then the system will work as designed but it only takes one person to tell even a white lie, half truth etc and the whole house of cards comes falling down.
So many of our police are corrupt, or just covering there own hides that the truth doesn't come out anymore and the innocent pay the ultimate price like maybe this man has.
For his sake I hope the truth will indeed set him free if he indeed innocent but if not then he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Hopefully there is a way for the truly innocent to get that last shot at their freedom. Good luck sir.
I was really shocked to see that this man was convicted despite the strong documneted alibi he has and even distressed to see that after 14 years he has not been released. With the recanted testimony now revealed this man should be released as soon as possible, if he is not you can be sure to hear from me and plenty others again.
Just watched the show and what a travesty. The bigger travesty is that it's so difficult to get anyone to look at a case this blatant. I agree with a previous comment that there should be some repercussions for the police officers who coerce witnesses and prosecutors whose only goal is to get a conviction at any cost. Not only is the wrong man in prison, but the real murderer is still out there (that is, if he's not in prison for killing someone else). Our system of justice needs an overhaul.
I feel so sorry for JJ for the life he has lost behind bars. After watching Dateline's story, I am convinced that he is INNOCENT. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to see and hear the proof of innocence. As for JJ, the truth will set you free! I pray for your release and compensation for the remainder of your life. God speed.
This is a terrible thing that happen to this man and his family. I don't even know him, but just listening to the story and the evidence, how the jury found him guility is way out of the ball park. First of all the suspect was black and with dreads do this look like him. I don,t see it or understand it, I believe the jury was tired and wanted to just get it over with, and then one of the supposedly witness picked out one of the juror as the suspect. Isn't that a red flag people, alarms should have been going off STOP we have the wrong man. But for one I believe he is telling the truth. Our justice system are so quickly to convict people, but when it come to correcting that conviction they drag their feet.
How is this a reporters quest, the reporter ain't locked up? Probably shouldn't have shown us a show without an ending. I was watching and waiting to find out whether the crooked DA was gonna push to get him out or not and wham nothing, like goin limp in the middle of canoodlin!
This is really tugging at my heartstrings! After watching and seeing Jon (his eyes say it all) I feel this man is clearly innocent. He has lost enough of his life...his time with his Mother and boys. This needs to be resolved and quickly so no more is lost!! What is wrong with our judicial system...come on witnesses... a heroin addict and a drug dealer.
I am so devastated by this. PLEASE LET'S ALL SPEAK UP FOR THIS INNOCENT MAN & SPEAK UP AS A COMMUNITY ON FACEBOOK EXPRESSING OUR DESIRE THAT THEY REVIEW HIS CASE. Let's publicize this and give him a chance.
I mean how could these officers even go nuts over a shooting in the retired police officer's illegal gambling joint and drug addict hangout. How absurd. If anyone is good with putting up a website then let's give this man a chance & I'm sure you will be appreciated and thanked by this innocent man and the media.
This was a good episode. So sad. I have actually met this man but had no idea of his story. I pray to God he is released so that his children can have their father and his mother, her son. He is not the only innocent person in jail but this is one that the new investigation may help set free. @Jakoye sending an innocent man to jail doesn't bring back the victim. How is that at all fair? Really?
Be careful what you say because one day it could be you or one of your sons in JJ's shoes. Never say never.
Until the Congress of the United States make it "AGAINST THE LAW" for jurors to convict a man soly because of RACE, this will CONTINUE to happen.....Sad to say but most jurors and Judges close their ears to Facts once they see that a person is other that CAUCASIAN. The should be a FELONY CRIME.
Bruce; This has nothing to do with race. This happens to all walks of life not just to black or hispanic people. PLEASE! But I do agree with you on holding jurors,judges, and prosecuters accountable for wrongfull convictions. Maybe that way reasonable dought will be taken more seriously.
I believe in my heart, my mind, and my gut, that this gentleman is innocent. If I would have been on that jury, the credibility of the eyewitnesses would have been an issue for me. I would have been willing to be sequestered as long as it took. I would have held out for Not Guilty.
I hope and pray that this man does not ever give up. Justice will prevail. If not on earth, then in heaven.
Please show Mr. Velazquez and his children our posts. They need to have their spirits bolstered by public opinion.
NOT GUILTY!!!
God bless you and your family, Mr. Velazquez...
The only reason that he remains in prison is because once the District Attorney admits to wrongfully convicting this man, there has to be a pardon, and then most likely Mr. Velazquez will be entitled to money damages. There isn't a state in this country that would want to pay out a single dime, let alone admit wrongdoing.
I hope that his legal representatives never give up!!!