Unveiling the untold stories: The Sing Sing Chronicles

A new docuseries sheds light on wrongful convictions

MSNBC is set to premiere a groundbreaking docuseries titled “The Sing Sing Chronicles”. This four-episode investigative series delves into the harrowing story of Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, an actor from A24’s Sing Sing, who was exonerated of a wrongful murder conviction after nearly 24 years in prison. Directed by Dawn Porter, the series is built on over two decades of investigative reporting by NBC News’ Dan Slepian and also explores the wrongful convictions of five other men who served time at Sing Sing Correctional Facility.

A deep dive into the criminal justice system

“The Sing Sing Chronicles” will debut on MSNBC on November 23 and 24 at 9 p.m. ET, with its world premiere at DOC NYC earlier in the month. The series offers unprecedented access to one of America’s most notorious prisons, providing a unique perspective on the criminal justice system. It follows the journey of a journalist and a man convicted of murder, highlighting the bond they formed within the walls of Sing Sing Correctional Facility.

The making of the series

The docuseries is a culmination of more than 1,000 hours of original footage filmed between 2002 and 2024. It centers on Velazquez, who was wrongfully convicted of the murder of a retired New York police officer in 1998. Despite not matching the suspect description and having an alibi corroborated by phone records, Velazquez was sentenced to 25 years to life. The case, initially investigated by “Dateline NBC” starting in 2002, unearthed critical new evidence that questioned the prosecution’s case against Velazquez.

The ripple effect of investigative journalism

During Slepian’s investigation, Velazquez introduced him to several other men who claimed innocence in unrelated homicide cases. Slepian’s reporting on these cases led to the exoneration of these men, although Velazquez remained in prison until he was granted clemency and released on parole in 2021. The series expands on Slepian’s reporting featured in NBC News’ podcast “Letters From Sing Sing”, which was recognized as a Pulitzer Prize finalist.

A filmmaker’s perspective

Dawn Porter, reflecting on her experience, stated, “I began my film career documenting public defenders working in the criminal legal system. During that time, I saw firsthand how difficult it is for anyone accused of a crime to truly get justice. But I could never have imagined the scope and scale of injustice captured by Dan Slepian’s cameras over the course of 20 years. This series allowed me to highlight the work of legal advocates, journalists, and the remarkable men who let us tell their stories. We owe the greatest debt to reporters like Dan Slepian who do not turn away when they see injustice unfolding before them. It is an honor to help tell their story.”

The impact of Jon-Adrian Velazquez

Velazquez, now a criminal legal reform activist, is a founding member of Voices From Within, an education initiative that addresses the epidemic of crime and incarceration directly through the voices of incarcerated people. He played himself in A24’s Sing Sing less than a year after his release from the titular prison. Velazquez described the project as “one of the most important things I’ve done in my life.”

Final thoughts

“The Sing Sing Chronicles” is not just a docuseries; it is a powerful narrative that brings to light the profound injustices within the criminal justice system. It underscores the importance of investigative journalism and the relentless pursuit of truth. As viewers, we are invited to witness these stories and reflect on the broader implications for justice and reform.

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