Velazquez's story is featured in the 2023 film 'Sing Sing,' which highlights wrongful imprisonment and the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals through the arts.

DA Bragg expressed hope that this decision marks a new chapter for Velazquez after enduring the weight of his wrongful conviction for over 25 years.

Velazquez articulated the emotional impact of his exoneration, acknowledging that while it restores his dignity, it cannot replace the years lost to wrongful imprisonment.

Jon-Adrian 'JJ' Velazquez has been exonerated after nearly 24 years in prison for the 1998 murder of retired NYPD officer Albert Ward, a crime he did not commit.

A New York judge, Abraham Clott, vacated Velazquez's conviction during a brief hearing on September 30, 2023, following a request from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

The decision to exonerate Velazquez was based on newly discovered DNA evidence that proved his innocence and indicated the presence of another suspect.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Post-Conviction Justice Unit played a crucial role in Velazquez's exoneration by reviewing recanted eyewitness testimonies and DNA evidence.

Prosecutors noted inconsistencies in eyewitness accounts and emphasized the absence of physical evidence linking Velazquez to the crime.

DNA testing conducted after the trial confirmed that Velazquez's DNA was not present on a betting slip associated with the actual shooter.

Despite his exoneration, Velazquez expressed disappointment over the lack of an apology for the years lost to wrongful imprisonment, stating that this situation is an indictment of the justice system.

Since his release, Velazquez has become an advocate for criminal legal reform and is a founding member of 'Voices From Within,' an initiative focused on educating the public about crime and incarceration.

His case gained significant attention from notable figures, including actor Martin Sheen, who publicly advocated for his exoneration.