Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, who served 23 years for the 1998 homicide of retired Detective Albert Ward, has had his conviction overturned following the revelation of new DNA evidence, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
AMNY reported that Judge Abraham Clott granted a motion on Sept. 30 to vacate the conviction and dismiss the indictment, effectively wiping Velazquez’s criminal record clean.
The decision to overturn the conviction came as the result of newly conducted DNA testing, which excluded Velazquez from evidence found at the crime scene.
The crime transpired in 1998 during a robbery at a gambling parlor located on Frederick Douglas Boulevard in Harlem.
Albert Ward, a 59-year-old retired detective, attempted to thwart the robbery by drawing his firearm. He was fatally shot by an armed robber identified only as “Tee.”
At the time, eyewitnesses presented inconsistent descriptions of Velazquez, leading to his conviction. Despite continuously maintaining his innocence, Velazquez's previous attempts to overturn the conviction in 2014 and 2018 proved unsuccessful.
In August 2021, former governor Andrew Cuomo granted Velazquez clemency, which allowed for his release while his conviction remained. The conviction itself, however, remained intact until recently.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Post-Conviction Justice Unit, established in 2022, revisited Velazquez's case. Fresh DNA tests were conducted on a betting slip handled by the shooter. The results excluded Velazquez as a contributor, significantly altering the course of the case.
Velazquez expressed profound relief following the judge's decision. “Who am I? I’m a very lucky man. I’m lucky that so many people believed in me,” he stated.
Judge Abraham Clott officially exonerated Velazquez on Sept. 30, granting the motion to vacate the conviction and dismiss the indictment. Within 30 days, both the conviction and indictment are set to be sealed, effectively removing the case from Velazquez’s record.
D.A. Alvin Bragg commented on the milestone, saying, “JJ Velazquez has lived in the shadow of his conviction for more than 25 years, and I hope that today brings with it a new chapter for him.”
Despite this judicial victory for Velazquez, the actual perpetrator of Albert Ward’s murder remains unidentified. No evidence has pointed towards another suspect, leaving the case unresolved and Ward’s family without closure.
Bragg extended his appreciation to those dedicated to rectifying this case. “I am grateful to our Post-Conviction Justice Unit for its commitment to impartially uncovering the facts and evidence in this case,” he said.
For Velazquez, the road to exoneration was fraught with challenges. He consistently upheld his innocence and fought relentlessly against his conviction, despite previous failures. His perseverance combined with the dedication of legal advocates ultimately led to this turning point.
Having served nearly 23 years, Velazquez's exoneration marks a monumental shift in his life. This case also serves as an example of how persistent legal efforts can overturn wrongful convictions, offering hope to others convicted under dubious circumstances.
While Velazquez's guilt has been erased, the fact that Albert Ward’s real killer is still at large leaves an incomplete narrative. The need to find the true assailant remains a priority for the community and law enforcement.
Continuing efforts are necessary to bring closure to Detective Ward's family. The advancements in forensic science and commitment to justice are essential in identifying the actual murderer.
This case underscores the vital role of post-conviction units and DNA evidence in modern legal systems. Velazquez’s overturn marks a significant point in the functioning of the justice system, highlighting the importance of continually examining past convictions for errors.
As this legal drama closes for Velazquez, it opens a broader dialogue on wrongful convictions. The justice system, while corrected in this instance, must continually strive for accuracy and fairness in its verdicts.
For anyone following the case of JJ Velazquez, the conclusion offers a mix of relief and unresolved tension. While one man’s life is restored, another question lingers: Who killed Albert Ward?
Velazquez’s journey encapsulates the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for justice to prevail against the odds. His story serves as a testament to the critical need for thorough and impartial reevaluation in the judicial process.
