Jon-Adrian Velazquez Exonerated After 22 Years in Prison
Jon-Adrian Velazquez, a New York man, was exonerated on Monday after serving nearly 27 years for a murder he did not commit. Velazquez was wrongfully convicted in 1999 of the 1998 shooting death of retired NYPD officer Albert Ward at an illegal gambling venue in Harlem. He maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment.
Velazquez’s exoneration came after a Manhattan judge overturned his conviction following an agreement by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. The DA’s Post-Conviction Justice Unit reexamined the case, including DNA testing that was not available during the original trial. The DNA results confirmed that Velazquez’s DNA was absent from the crucial evidence, a betting slip touched by the shooter.
Velazquez, now 47, was granted clemency in 2021 and released from prison. During his incarceration, he earned two degrees and became a certified paralegal, helping others who were wrongfully convicted. He also mentored and educated others while in prison.
Velazquez’s case highlights the need for justice reform and the importance of thorough investigations to prevent wrongful convictions. He plans to continue advocating for justice reform and re-establishing ties with his family, including his three grandchildren.
