A story that highlights all that is wrong with the justice system and compels change. A+ story telling

Dan is just a fabulous story teller. When will we as voters demand that the justice system be fixed?

Excellent story!! This was by far the most gripping story I’ve heard in years. I felt every high and low along with “JJ”. He’s a man of unfailing integrity, character, and courage to face all those years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. It was amazing.

Never have a written a review but I had to for this one. This was such a touching story that everyone must listen to. Brought me to tears!

Thank you for this podcast. I was on the edge of my seat everyday listening. Waiting to hear JJ release from prison or that they found that other guy guilty. I wish JJ the best in the rest of his life. Thank you Dan for helping him as much as you could. JJ didn’t deserve what happened to him. I felt his pain as I listened. I’m glad he stayed strong and held in there day to day. Much respect to JJ and his family, also you Dan and the lawyers that didn’t give up. Didn’t give in to the miss justice JJ was forced to live through. Most of all thank you for posting this podcast for some like me to hear.

What a riveting listen! I am so thankful for humans like Dan Slepian. I want my kids to grow up and fight the good fight like him.

Dan Slepian is a HERO!

I came across this podcast while I was making a lot g drive. How sad and amazing at the same time. The way I cried when Maria got to embrace her son. I could feel her pain. Myself having to raise a son while father was incarcerated was so difficult. I hope to see a movie one day of this story.

This is one of the most compelling stories i’ve ever heard. JJ is meant to touch many lives, it hurts my heart that he has endured such devastating injustice to be able to do so. Hearing how time and again the justice system endeavored to uphold their wrongdoing angered me so much, but this story has left me inspired. How can we as people better serve one another despite our personal hardships? Look at what JJ has accomplished while facing something much more horrific than most of us will ever know. This tragedy brought so many amazing people together. From Dan, to JJ and his mother, to the new layers. This brought me hope, a reminder that there is good to be found amongst the darkness. Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this story to the listeners and for changing lives.

Awful events but amazing people and story telling. A whole illustration of the flaws in our criminal justice system. For every JJ there are countless others whose stories will never be known. I have the utmost respect for him, his mother, Dan Slepian, Jason Flom, and every person who cares enough to use their influence to help people with circumstances like JJ’s.

I started this while painting. It was so good, and I went on a long drive to finish it. It was also infuriating., deeply so. Why?!? Why?!? Why!? I won’t give anything away here, but why?!?

Thank you for taking the time to let us learn and listen to people stories

This podcast shares an amazing and deeply touching story. Get your Kleenex out, It’s so worth it!

I can’t even explain the emotional roller coaster this podcast took me on. My only hope was that he would have been exonerated in the end (I know he will). Also, you guys have the best banter…. Maybe more podcasts together! Thank you for sharing this and I pray this effects change xoxo

This is by far the best pod cast series I've ever listened to. It made me feel all the emotions. I Can't wait to hear soon that JJ has been cleared of the crime, that he should never have been convicted of inn the first place. Praying daily until that happens. Thank you for sticking with JJ and his family. You Sir are amazing. The world needs more of you.

One of the most amazing podcasts I’ve listened to. JJ is truly an amazing human! His determination and fight and admirable!

Great storytelling, great recaps and clear connections to other episodes or relevant cases.

Amazing story! Great coverage! #JusticeforJJ

True crime lovers who appreciate a win for the “bad guys” HAVE to listen to this. I was sure of how I felt and what I KNEW. This story 180, and my brain turning! I sympathize with the time it had to take to make this, but can appreciate the efforts!! Good listen!! ….I need a sequel. 🧡

I almost never write a review. This podcast moved me. Thank you for taking the time to share this man’s fight, heart, and struggle. He is an inspiration

If you haven’t listened to this, you need to. An absolutely brilliant and caring journalist and JJ, a man we all can aspire to be.

I was in tears for this man. Stories like this are heard so many times and at what point will it stop? The injustice is so horrible and lives are at hand. I can’t even imagine being a person to allow this and sleep at night. Karma will take care of them. Thank you for sharing this story!

Warning: spoilers. This podcast will break your heart but it will also warm it. Jon-Adrian Velazquez’s (“JJ”) unwavering strength and positive attitude is a wonder to behold. He has a resolute commitment and ability to not only stay as positive as any human being can be in his situation, but to also turn it around into something good by helping others. What an inspiring and patient man. Dan Sepian (the host), JJ’s loyal family members and his attorneys all stuck by him the entire time. It’s such a difficult story to hear and it’s amazing to me that he isn’t an anger and hate-filled person after everything he’s been through. I would be! The murderer was never found or charged. Velazquez was never exonerated or compensated. It bothers me so much that there would be even one person out there who would was aware that he was in prison for a crime that he didn’t commit, let alone more than one. How many innocent people are there right now, sitting in jail, who are not as articulate, educated or well-connected as Velazquez? According to a conservative estimate from the Innocence Project, approximately 20,000 people. This podcast shows, more than any I’ve listened to so far, how broken our system can be. It also shows though, that justice can be served on occasion. Thanks Dan Slepian and Dateline, for exposing the snakes out there. I honestly don’t know how some of these prosecutors and judges can sleep at night, I really don’t.

JJ’s story is truly amazing. This young man took an incredibly unfortunate situation and used it to give life and voice to a problem that seems to be all to common in our justice system. This podcast had me captivated. I tell everyone I know to listen to it! Keep fighting the good fight JJ!

‘Letters from Sing Sing’ with JJ Velazquez and Dan Slepian is more than just a podcast; it is a transformative experience. JJ is a powerful symbol of hope, bravery, and resilience and he is a true testament to the human spirit, facing a life sentence and enduring over two decades of suffering and torture behind bars for a crime he did not commit. JJ has the most beautiful soul and it breaks my heart that he has lost almost 24 years of his precious life that he will never get back. His unjust and unfair conviction by our corrupt legal system is truly an eye opener and we all must do our part to fight for him and for those who are wronged, silenced, and oppressed. Dan’s unwavering fight for the truth about JJ’s wrongful conviction is riveting and awe-inspiring. Dan is truly an agent of change in this world and his relentless work in investigative reporting has changed the lives of many like JJ who are victims of wrongful convictions. Dan, thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you’ve done for JJ and for never giving up on the continued fight for JJ’s freedom. You will be so moved and inspired by JJ’s valiant mother Maria Velazquez, the true unsung hero. Maria’s devotion to her son JJ is remarkable and their inseparable bond demonstrates what unconditional love is. This everlasting love extends into the relationship between JJ and his sons, Jon-Adrian Jr and Jacob Velazquez. It is by their faith and undying hope in reuniting with their father as a free man that fueled JJ’s fight for justice. If you’re looking for a podcast that will touch your heart, challenge your beliefs, and leave you with a newfound perspective on life, ‘Letters from Sing Sing’ is an absolute must-listen. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and forever changed by this exceptional story of hope, love, and truth.

Absolutely amazing story. Unbelievable that this is the narrative of just one person stuck in a system of injustice. Listened to the entire podcast in one day. Well written and to be able to hear JJ”s voice and feel the ups and downs was suspenseful, hopeful and heartbreaking.

Excellent story! Sad, tragic story well researched and excellently narrated. Looking forward to another.. will suggest to others

The story is tragic and all too common. We have to do better. The podcast is well done and documented. Great listen.

This is one of the best podcasts. I was listening to it as it was released and would count down to the new episodes dropping. Responsible, respectful, and collaborative storytelling and educative.

I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts and none have made me question the justice system like this one. This was a powerful story and I’m impressed on the commitment to truth and justice shown by the author to wait for this to play out over such a long period rather than rush to try and close this story or just move on to something else.

I listen to a lot of podcasts, but this captivated me from beginning to end. The perseverance of both JJ and Dan was incredible. The emotions I went through just being a listener, I realize is absolutely nothing compared to what JJ has gone through. I cried for him and his family. So thrilled for his executive clemency and praying for the conviction to be overturned. DIOS TE BENDIGA 🙏🏼

I listened to this podcast all in a day. I was so emotionally invested and heartbroken for JJ and his family. I cried out of anger, sadness and finally joy. This story needs to be heard, thank you for telling it so eloquently

Very well-researched & compelling story. I was so emotionally invested…I cried my eyes out at the end! A simply exceptional podcast all around.

I listen to a lot of podcasts but this one changed me. I cried for sadness and rejoiced at the end and it made me realized this could be anybody. If there’s any podcast, you should listen to this is the one. What a strong soul. I don’t normally write things down from podcasts but I have a lot of quotes written down so I never forget. definitely tears from start to finish. Number one podcast I suggest to people when they say they listen to podcasts

Heart breaking story. A tragedy, yet triumph. Truth vs Justice. When you have justice: you have injustice. Finding the balance; it all depends, it all depends. Hilary Valdez

Probably the most beautiful piece of media I’ve ever consumed. Dan, you put something amazing into this world. Every episode I found myself running through so many emotions. I yelled, cried, threw my hands in the air. So completely overwhelmed by JJ’s story and the injustice he (and his family) faced. The ways in which his wrongful conviction perpetuated generational trauma is beyond tragic. I was sobbing as JJ was finally released and as a parent the sound of Maria’s wail shattered my heart. I can’t imagine how the people in the DA’s office slept at night knowing the harm they had done. Such a sad example of humanity that they would rather keep the “win” than find the truth. I genuinely hope they are all ashamed of themselves. But most of all I wish all the happiness and love in the world to JJ and his family.

An amazing story that had me hooked from the start and ran me through the spectrum of emotions. This really is a “must listen.”

This podcast literally had me in tears from start to finish! Absolute gut wrenching! Amazing work from Dan Slepian!

This story was compelling. JJ is so inspiring not only him but his mother and boys. Although JJ was doing time his family were as well. Hearing how all this played out brought so many emotions out of me. I was angry sad happy all in a nutshell. Can you please do an update podcast to see how they all are doing today?

One of the best podcast of the year!

This was more than I could have imagined. The emotion from JJ’s mother and the friendship between Dan and JJ was portrayed wonderfully. My heart truly broke for him. Thank you for your wonderful long term work. I wish more reporters were like this.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS STORY! This podcast made me feel all the emotions…anger, sadness, suspense, joy. Dan & JJ are extraordinary human beings with pure hearts. Dan’s dedication to JJ & his story comes second to none - JJ’s perseverance and resilience throughout his life thus far is unbelievable & inspiring. I am in awe of this story and encourage everyone to listen.

I did a small amount of time .. less than three year but …I was guilty! I couldn’t imagine doing that much time in a place like sing sing and to know i was innocent! That jj is a rock star in my mind! Bill in bama!

My faith in people is restored. Listening to the injustice that JJ went through and to have Dan stand by and uncover time and time again his innocence was inspiring. I hope you continue to update us on JJ, his amazing mom and family and that he finally gets cleared of all charges and gets compensated for the wrongful conviction.

Dan, your story telling is fantastic and what you did for JJ is even better. You set this man free and gave us a story I couldn’t stop listening.

Impatient jury, guilt ridden witnesses, rush to close a cases, authorities unable to see the facts - this story has it all. Well told! God bless JJ and his family.

Dan! JJ! Wow. Thank you for sharing this incredible story. It was beautifully written/told. I experienced a roller coaster of emotions while listening to all the unjustified actions that happened to this young man. JJ, you are a fighter & I found myself praying for you, your boy’s & for your sweet mom throughout all of the episodes. I pray that you find the peace that you deserve. And Dan, what an incredible human being and friend you are. May God bless you both abundantly. ❤️

I had no idea the emotions I would run through with this podcast, sitting at work crying. What a story, beautiful heartbreaking and hopeful. JJ is an inspiration and you tell a wonderful story.

I couldn’t stop listening. It was such a sad but beautiful story. Dan is an angel sent to help and expose this horrible system and bring attention to JJ. JJ is such an incredible soul who deserves all life has to give him and his family. Please share in hope that we all can work together to improve this system. I am sorry for everything you and your family had to go through. I hope you get exonerated and released from parole immediately.

This podcast captured me as soon as I heard the trailer. I binged listened to all episodes. Lots of tears.