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On January 18, 1995, 38-year-old Denise Raymond, a Federal Express executive, was found dead in her Bronx, NY apartment from two gunshot wounds to the head. Less than 24 hours later, 43-year-old Baithe Diop, a driver for New Harlem Car Service, was fatally shot on a nearby street in what police said was an apparent robbery. Police then found two women who told police that they had heard six young men discussing the murder. Eric Glisson was one of these men; the Bronx Six as they came to be known. Eric was ultimately charged and convicted of second degree murder in the death of Baithe Diop and sentenced to 25 year to life in prison. To learn more, check out Dan Slepian’s podcast Letters from Sing Sing: https://www.nbcnews.com/letters-from-sing-sing-podcast Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava For Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. We have worked hard to ensure that all facts reported in this show are accurate. The views and opinions expressed by the individuals featured in this show are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lava for Good. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a special edition of Meet the Press, Kristen Welker looks back at her Meet the Moment interviews with Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps, Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges, athletes Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, JJ Velazquez and journalist Dan Slepian, and NBC's Savannah Guthrie.
Dan Slepian is an Emmy-winning journalist, producer, and storyteller with nearly 30 years at NBC News. Known for his investigative work on Dateline, Dan has exposed injustices, solved cold cases, and helped exonerate the wrongfully convicted. His acclaimed podcast, Letters from Sing Sing, chronicles his 20-year fight to prove the innocence of John Adrian “JJ” Velazquez. A 2024 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Dan recently published The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a 20-Year Fight for Justice. Beyond journalism, he is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, focusing on the human cost of mass incarceration.In this episode, Dan discusses the systemic flaws in the justice system, including racial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and the lack of accountability for wrongful convictions. He brings a deeply personal and professional lens to the conversation, emphasizing his commitment to truth over personal recognition. He shares insights into the realities of mass incarceration, describing how systemic failures—from flawed eyewitness procedures to prosecutorial pressure—lead to wrongful convictions. Dan also explores his relationship with JJ, which has evolved into a profound bond that underscores the human toll of these injustices. He speaks candidly about his investigative process, the importance of humanity and empathy, and his enduring advocacy for those wrongly imprisoned. His accounts of JJ's case and his Voices from Within program highlight the potential for transformation and healing within and beyond prison walls. Dan dives into his recent book, The Sing Sing Files, and the forthcoming documentary series The Sing Sing Chronicles, which humanizes those affected by the system. Dan's Reluctance Toward Self-Promotion: Dan discusses his discomfort with being in the spotlight + he reflects on the challenges of public advocacy while maintaining journalistic objectivity (3:26)Upbringing and Family Influence: Dan shares his childhood experiences + He credits his mother for instilling grit and resilience and his father for teaching empathy and the value of fighting for others (6:37)Navigating Advocacy and Family Dynamics: Dan recounts the depth of his 20-year connection with JJ + how Dan's work evolved from investigative reporting into a deeply personal mission for truth + how Dan's family became an integral supporter of JJ (9:52)Journey into Journalism: Dan recounts the early days of his career + He shares formative moments, like witnessing Michael Jordan before a game and the lessons they imparted about professionalism. (19:11)The Case of Robert Roberson: Robert Roberson's case, a man on death row convicted of killing his daughter + science have debunked much of the evidence used against Roberson + Dan emphasizes the racial and procedural inequities in death penalty cases and critiques the system's inefficiencies, high costs, and lack of deterrence (22:20)The Roots of Wrongful Convictions: Systemic issues leading to wrongful convictions + eyewitness misidentification, coerced confessions, and improper courtroom dynamics + JJ Velazquez's case exemplifies these failures + the need to humanize those impacted by wrongful convictions (34:53)Voices from Within and JJ Velazquez's Journey: Systemic bias in the justice system, , pointing out how former prosecutors often become judges in the same jurisdictions, fostering a “club-like” atmosphere + Dan's and JJ's collaboration on Voices from Within + challenging myths like “everyone in prison claims innocence + the long-lasting trauma caused by wrongful incarceration (45:00)The Emotional Catalyst for Justice: the emotional impact of his first encounter with JJ's children + Dan developed a familial bond with JJ's children + the lifelong impact of losing a parent to incarceration (51:56)The Pathology of Mass Incarceration: The Sing Sing Files, and the emotional impact of the documentary series The Sing Sing Chronicles + education and vocational training in prisons + need to treat prisoners with dignity and reintegrate them into society + mass incarceration as a moral failing of society (55:02)The Innocence Project and Personal Reflections: Dan credits the Innocence Project + Dan maintains his discomfort with being labeled as a trailblazer (1:111:07)Rapid Fast Round (1:12:46) Connect with Dan Slepian:InstagramLinkedInGet Dan's book - The Sing Sing Files!Listen to Dan's podcast - Letters from Sing Sing! Let's talk Connect:Instagram This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.
Wrongful convictions, shattered lives, and a relentless fight for justice. In this episode, we sit down with Jon-Adrian ‘JJ' Velazquez, who spent 24 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit, and Dan Slepian, the veteran journalist (Pulitzer Prize Finalist) whose two-decade investigation helped exonerate six innocent men, including Velasquez. The premiere of The Sing Sing Chronicles on MSNBC was November 23rd and 24th, and was met with incredibly positive feedback from critics and audience alike. This is a conversation you won't forget...https://jonadrianjjvelazquez.comhttps://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/dan-slepian-dateline-nbc-sing-sing-book?srsltid=AfmBOooOkqllXToXTa4SxfAThpxznZvkJrPxOx25fav0GOeD1PyQY-Nchttps://www.msnbc.com/thesingsingchronicles Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this bonus episode of the award-winning Letters from Sing Sing podcast, veteran producer Dan Slepian reflects on the final chapter in J.J. Velazquez's hard-fought path to full exoneration after being wrongfully convicted of murder over two decades ago. Dan and J.J. join Kristen Welker on Meet the Press for a “Meet the Moment” conversation to detail their 20+ year path to overturning J.J.'s conviction.
In this bonus episode of the award-winning Letters from Sing Sing podcast, veteran producer Dan Slepian reflects on the final chapter in J.J. Velazquez's hard-fought path to full exoneration after being wrongfully convicted of murder over two decades ago. Dan and J.J. join Kristen Welker on Meet the Press for a “Meet the Moment” conversation to detail their 20+ year path to overturning J.J.'s conviction.
Veteran Dateline producer Dan Slepian and JJ Velazquez join Kristen Welker for a “Meet the Moment” conversation to detail their 20+ year effort to free Velazquez from a wrongful murder criminal conviction. It's a decades-long journey to freedom that was captured in Slepian's new book, “The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a Twenty-Year Fight for Justice.”
NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki joins Meet the Press to walk through a new national poll of Latino voters from NBC News, Telemundo and CNBC. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) exclusively joins to discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene and the state of Donald Trump's campaign. During an exclusive interview, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) talks about Kamala Harris' visit to the border. Dateline producer Dan Slepian and JJ Velazquez join for a “Meet the Moment” conversation to detail their 20+ year effort to free Velazquez from a wrongful murder criminal conviction. Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, Kelly O'Donnell, Danielle Pletka and Julio Vaqueiro join the Meet the Press roundtable.
The music legend once known as Puffy, Puff Daddy and Diddy was arraigned in open court this week. NBC News correspondent Chloe Melas was there. And in a northern Virginia suburb, did a man kill his wife and a stranger so he could be with their au pair? Plus, talking to longtime Dateline producer Dan Slepian about his book, "The Sing Sing Files", chronicling his decades uncovering wrongful convictions.
Hear an exclusive audio excerpt from Dateline producer Dan Slepian's new book “The Sing Sing Files” which chronicles his two-decade journey navigating the criminal justice system to help free six innocent men. Available now wherever books and audiobooks are sold. For more details and to purchase, follow this link:https://bit.ly/TheSingSingFiles13Alibis
Hear an exclusive audio excerpt from NBC News and Dateline producer Dan Slepian's new book “The Sing Sing Files” which chronicles his two-decade journey navigating the criminal justice system to help free six innocent men. Available now wherever books and audiobooks are sold. For more details and to purchase, follow this link:https://bit.ly/TheSingSingFilesDateline
For decades, producer Dan Slepian has spearheaded documentaries, podcasts and investigative reports for Dateline NBC. In 2002, a chance conversation propelled him to start probing wrongful convictions, work that led to a Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast 20 years later. Slepian joined Amna Nawaz to discuss his new book, "The Sing Sing Files," and why the issue continues to fuel his work. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
For decades, producer Dan Slepian has spearheaded documentaries, podcasts and investigative reports for Dateline NBC. In 2002, a chance conversation propelled him to start probing wrongful convictions, work that led to a Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast 20 years later. Slepian joined Amna Nawaz to discuss his new book, "The Sing Sing Files," and why the issue continues to fuel his work. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
Hear an exclusive audio excerpt from Dateline producer Dan Slepian's new book “The Sing Sing Files” which chronicles his two-decade journey navigating the criminal justice system to help free six innocent men. Available now wherever books and audiobooks are sold. For more details and to purchase, follow this link:https://bit.ly/TheSingSingFilesShowcast
Hear an exclusive audio excerpt from Dateline producer Dan Slepian's new book “The Sing Sing Files” which chronicles his two-decade journey navigating the criminal justice system to help free six innocent men. Available now wherever books and audiobooks are sold. For more details and to purchase, follow this link:https://bit.ly/TheSingSingFilesLetters
President and CEO of SHERM, Johnny C. Taylor stops by to share some tips and resources to help folks have an easier time transitioning back work. Also, Purely Elizabeth Granola founder Elizabeth Stein sits down to discuss her recipe for success. Plus, NBC News journalist and producer Dan Slepian dishes the latest on his new book ‘The Sing Sing Files' and how the stories of six wrongfully imprisoned men have greatly impacted how he navigates a broken justice system.
It's been eight months since Dan's investigation into JJ's case aired on Dateline. When he visits JJ at Sing Sing, JJ is frustrated—he thought he'd be out by now. But the Manhattan DA is looking into his case. In 2010, Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance created a conviction integrity unit focused on investigating claims of innocence. Bob Gottlieb and Celia Gordon, JJ's lawyers, are confident that this unit will determine that he was wrongfully convicted.Meanwhile, Bob and Celia hear from a woman who claims she and a friend know Mustafa: the NYPD's “primary target” for the murder of Al Ward. Dan follows up on this lead and travels to Seattle, where he interviews both women. They tell him their friend Mustafa confessed to killing Al Ward. Dan tracks down this Mustafa, and in a tense interview, tries to determine whether this man is the real killer.This episode was originally published on March 13, 2023.
In August of 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo grants JJ executive clemency. Three weeks later, JJ steps out of Sing Sing a free man. But he wasn't exonerated. In the eyes of the law, he was still a convicted felon. Within the first 24 hours of his release, JJ needs to check in with the parole office. He has a curfew. He has to get permission to travel out of state. As he likes to say, he's freer, but not free.Soon after his release, JJ gets a job at the Frederick Douglass Project. He's invited to give talks, run workshops. His life is focused on connecting people on the outside with those on the inside. And unbelievably, his work leads to a meeting with the President of the United States.This episode was originally published on March 27, 2023.
In 2017, JJ finally gets some good news. After years of denials and setbacks, he would appear before a judge for the first time since his conviction. A new judge would determine whether JJ's rights were violated when the prosecutor at his trial withheld police reports related to his case – reports that, 10 months earlier, had arrived in Dan's mailbox.But the judge ultimately denies JJ's request for a new trial. Dan and JJ are devastated. JJ explores other avenues for getting released. He applies for clemency, but year after year, the governor passes him over. Then, in 2020, the pandemic hits. The world stops. And JJ experiences the pandemic behind bars.This episode was originally published on March 27, 2023.
By 2015, JJ had been locked up for nearly 18 years. His mom, Maria, drives to Sing Sing to visit him on his 40th birthday and reflects on how much it hurts to watch him age in prison.In the last decade, JJ has built a rich life in prison in order to survive. He talks about his involvement in the prison's programs, like organizing fundraisers and leading workshops. He was even elected by the prison's population to speak for them when issues came up. He says this work has given him purpose, but it also helps distract him from the trauma of being incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit.While all of this is happening, JJ's older son, Jon, gets into more trouble. He's arrested on charges of burglary. He hides out in a motel room, and Dan goes to check on him there.Dan also follows up on old and new leads in JJ's case. And then one day, he gets a yellow envelope in the mail.This episode was originally published on March 20, 2023.
It turns out, back in 1998, just days after the crime, the NYPD had a main suspect for the murder of Al Ward: a man named Mustafa. Dan tries to find out more about Mustafa and understand why this lead was dropped after JJ's name entered the case. He also learns that JJ's legal team had a court-assigned private investigator. Dan tracks down that private investigator, and discovers that he hardly looked into JJ's case. He didn't know about Mustafa and he never interviewed the eyewitnesses to the murder of Al Ward.So Dan decides to do what the private investigator didn't do – investigate JJ's case. In the summer of 2009, Dan finds Augustus Brown, the key witness, the man who first identified JJ. He's incarcerated at the Elmira Correctional Facility in upstate New York. Dan pays him a visit.This episode was originally published on February 27, 2023.
Dan tracks down Juror Number Six: Ramon Aviles. Ramon remembers the moment when the 84-year-old eyewitness, Dorothy Canady, pointed him out as the shooter. He says he was shocked and that people were laughing. The juror breaks down what he remembers from the deliberation room and ultimately admits he might have made a mistake in voting to convict JJ.Dan starts to wonder if other jurors from JJ's trial would feel the same way. He meets up with a different juror and when she sees Dan, she immediately starts to cry. She says she felt pressured by some of the other jurors to convict JJ because they were sequestered and wanted to go home. More than decade later, she believes she ruined JJ's life.Dan is stunned. He's building a compelling case for JJ's innocence, but there's still one more person he needs to talk to: JJ's alleged accomplice, the man with the duct tape, Derry Daniels. Dan visits Daniels, who refuses to talk to him, but Dan is now certain that JJ did not get a fair trial. He sits down with Barry Scheck, co-founder of the Innocence Project, to talk through the case. Barry explains how eyewitness accounts can be unreliable.This episode was originally published on March 6, 2023.
JJ Velazquez claimed he had an alibi: a 74-minute phone call on a landline with his mother, Maria Velazquez, that overlapped with the time of the crime. So Dan visits Maria. She lives in a town in New York on the Hudson River directly across from Sing Sing, the maximum security prison where her son is incarcerated. Maria talks to Dan about JJ's childhood. And she recounts in detail her memory of January 27th, 1998, the day of Al Ward's murder.Meanwhile, Dan is still familiarizing himself with JJ's case file. There are thousands of pages of documents that sit in a box by his desk. He starts to work his way through the trial transcript. Immediately, it's clear to him that the trial was strange. As Dan unpacks what happened in the courtroom, he's left with more questions than answers. Prosecutors say five people identified JJ as the man who killed Al Ward. Dan decides to find them.This episode was originally published on February 20, 2023.
In December of 2002, NBC News Producer Dan Slepian got a letter from a New York State maximum security prison. It was detailed and meticulous, almost like it had been written by a lawyer. It was from a man serving 25 years to life for murder. And it ended with a desperate plea: look into my case.In 1998, Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez was arrested for killing a retired New York City police officer. A year later, he was convicted of second degree murder. But he insisted he didn't do it. Dan was skeptical. Prosecutors said five eyewitnesses had sworn JJ was the killer. Could five people be wrong?So Dan pays JJ a visit. And at the end of it, JJ gives Dan a challenge: prove me guilty.This episode was originally published on February 20, 2023.
Dan Slepian (The Sing Sing Files, Dateline) is a journalist, television producer, and author. Dan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he liked to watch the news as a child, who some of his favorite talk show hosts were, and how he landed his first internship at NBC. Dan and Dax talk about how Dateline segments are produced, why he chose to focus on helping people that don't have a voice, and how he chooses the stories he pursues. Dan explains how convictions are overturned, the hidden epidemic of the wrongfully incarcerated, and the depth of the problems of mass incarceration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dan Slepian (The Sing Sing Files, Dateline) is a journalist, television producer, and author. Dan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he liked to watch the news as a child, who some of his favorite talk show hosts were, and how he landed his first internship at NBC. Dan and Dax talk about how Dateline segments are produced, why he chose to focus on helping people that don't have a voice, and how he chooses the stories he pursues. Dan explains how convictions are overturned, the hidden epidemic of the wrongfully incarcerated, and the depth of the problems of mass incarceration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After two decades with their father behind bars, Richard Rosario's family has new hope that he may be set free. After an emotional prison visit, a court is about to decide if it is time for this family to be finally reunited.This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.
Josh Mankiewicz and Dan Slepian discuss the issues of wrongful convictions in front of a live audience at the CrimeCon conference in New Orleans. This episode was originally published on September 2, 2019.
It's been more than 20 years since Richard Rosario was convicted of a murder he says he could not possibly have committed. If he didn't do it, who did? And what's next for Rosario and his family? This is the final episode of Dan Slepian's 3-year investigation. This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.
Suddenly, a change that could breathe new life into Richard Rosario's bid for freedom. Dan Slepian speaks to the woman who could make all the difference. This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019
Did anyone fully investigate Richard Rosario's alibi? Dan Slepian tracks down detectives, lawyers and an eyewitness to the murder – and gets some shocking answers to that question.This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.
Talking to a murder victim's family is a tough thing to do, but Dan Slepian needs to find out more information about Jorge Collazo in his search for the truth. Collazo's sister tells Dan she'll never forget the day her little brother was killed. And, she reveals a surprise about what happened just two weeks before the murder – a lead that could have been critical.This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.
The murder case against Richard Rosario was based on two eyewitnesses. But Rosario claims there are more than a dozen people who can prove he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. Dan Slepian packs his bags and heads to Florida to speak with some of those alibi witnesses. Along the way, he also meets Rosario's wife and two children.This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.
Is Richard Rosario an innocent man? Or is he a murderer? Dan Slepian begins his investigation at a prison in upstate New York, and at the scene of the crime in the Bronx. This episode was originally published on May 16, 2019.
As a special preview for Dateline listeners, here's a sneak peek from the seventh and next-to-last episode of Letters from Sing Sing, an original podcast from NBC News Studios hosted by longtime investigative reporter Dan Slepian. In this clip, we hear from JJ as he continues to fight for his freedom, as a global pandemic makes life in prison even more dismal. Follow the podcast and listen to all episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdsv
In August of 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo grants JJ executive clemency. Three weeks later, JJ steps out of Sing Sing a free man. But he wasn't exonerated. In the eyes of the law, he was still a convicted felon. Within the first 24 hours of his release, JJ needs to check in with the parole office. He has a curfew. He has to get permission to travel out of state. As he likes to say, he's freer, but not free.Soon after his release, JJ gets a job at the Frederick Douglass Project. He's invited to give talks, run workshops. His life is focused on connecting people on the outside with those on the inside. And unbelievably, his work leads to a meeting with the President of the United States.
In 2017, JJ finally gets some good news. After years of denials and setbacks, he would appear before a judge for the first time since his conviction. A new judge would determine whether JJ's rights were violated when the prosecutor at his trial withheld police reports related to his case – reports that, 10 months earlier, had arrived in Dan's mailbox.But the judge ultimately denies JJ's request for a new trial. Dan and JJ are devastated. JJ explores other avenues for getting released. He applies for clemency, but year after year, the governor passes him over. Then, in 2020, the pandemic hits. The world stops. And JJ experiences the pandemic behind bars.
As a special preview for Dateline listeners, here's a sneak peek from the sixth episode of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios hosted by longtime investigative reporter Dan Slepian. In this clip, we hear about the tragic impact that being wrongfully imprisoned for nearly two decades has had on JJ's life. Follow the podcast and listen to the first six episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdsi
By 2015, JJ had been locked up for nearly 18 years. His mom, Maria, drives to Sing Sing to visit him on his 40th birthday and reflects on how much it hurts to watch him age in prison. In the last decade, JJ has built a rich life in prison in order to survive. He talks about his involvement in the prison's programs, like organizing fundraisers and leading workshops. He was even elected by the prison's population to speak for them when issues came up. He says this work has given him purpose, but it also helps distract him from the trauma of being incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit. While all of this is happening, JJ's older son, Jon, gets into more trouble. He's arrested on charges of burglary. He hides out in a motel room, and Dan goes to check on him there. Dan also follows up on old and new leads in JJ's case. And then one day, he gets a yellow envelope in the mail.
As a special preview for Dateline listeners, here's a sneak peek from the fifth episode of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios hosted by longtime investigative reporter Dan Slepian. In this excerpt, JJ finally gets a face-to-face with the Manhattan DA's office. But things don't go quite how he'd hoped. Follow the podcast and listen to the first five episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdfv
It's been eight months since Dan's investigation into JJ's case aired on Dateline. When he visits JJ at Sing Sing, JJ is frustrated—he thought he'd be out by now. But the Manhattan DA is looking into his case. In 2010, Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance created a conviction integrity unit focused on investigating claims of innocence. Bob Gottlieb and Celia Gordon, JJ's lawyers, are confident that this unit will determine that he was wrongfully convicted.Meanwhile, Bob and Celia hear from a woman who claims she and a friend know Mustafa: the NYPD's “primary target” for the murder of Al Ward. Dan follows up on this lead and travels to Seattle, where he interviews both women. They tell him their friend Mustafa confessed to killing Al Ward. Dan tracks down this Mustafa, and in a tense interview, tries to determine whether this man is the real killer.
As a special preview for Dateline listeners, we're sharing a sneak peek from the fourth episode of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios hosted by longtime investigative reporter Dan Slepian. In this excerpt, Dan tracks down two of the jurors from JJ's trial. What they had to say stunned him. Follow the podcast and listen to the first four episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_ef
Dan tracks down Juror Number Six: Ramon Aviles. Ramon remembers the moment when the 84-year-old eyewitness, Dorothy Canady, pointed him out as the shooter. He says he was shocked and that people were laughing. The juror breaks down what he remembers from the deliberation room and ultimately admits he might have made a mistake in voting to convict JJ.Dan starts to wonder if other jurors from JJ's trial would feel the same way. He meets up with a different juror and when she sees Dan, she immediately starts to cry. She says she felt pressured by some of the other jurors to convict JJ because they were sequestered and wanted to go home. More than decade later, she believes she ruined JJ's life.Dan is stunned. He's building a compelling case for JJ's innocence, but there's still one more person he needs to talk to: JJ's alleged accomplice, the man with the duct tape, Derry Daniels. Dan visits Daniels, who refuses to talk to him, but Dan is now certain that JJ did not get a fair trial. He sits down with Barry Scheck, co-founder of the Innocence Project, to talk through the case. Barry explains how eyewitness accounts can be unreliable.
As a special preview for Dateline listeners, we're sharing a sneak peek from the third episode of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios hosted by longtime investigative reporter Dan Slepian. It's a story that started in 2002 with a single letter from an incarcerated man claiming his innocence. 20 years later, it's still unfolding. In this episode, JJ Velasquez discovers from his prison cell that detectives were looking at a different primary suspect before JJ's name ever came up. Follow the podcast and listen to the first three episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_et
As a special preview for Dateline listeners, we're sharing an excerpt from the second episode of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Follow the podcast and listen to the first three episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdd
It turns out, back in 1998, just days after the crime, the NYPD had a main suspect for the murder of Al Ward: a man named Mustafa. Dan tries to find out more about Mustafa and understand why this lead was dropped after JJ's name entered the case. He also learns that JJ's legal team had a court-assigned private investigator. Dan tracks down that private investigator, and discovers that he hardly looked into JJ's case. He didn't know about Mustafa and he never interviewed the eyewitnesses to the murder of Al Ward.So Dan decides to do what the private investigator didn't do – investigate JJ's case. In the summer of 2009, Dan finds Augustus Brown, the key witness, the man who first identified JJ. He's incarcerated at the Elmira Correctional Facility in upstate New York. Dan pays him a visit.
Winter snow storm sweeping across the country causing major damage and impacting travel. Also, some restaurants are making some creative changes to get people back into the table. Plus, Real Estate Broker Stefani Berkin shares some tips on how to prepare yourself if you're thinking on buying, selling or renting a home. And, Dan Slepian in studio 1A to talk about his new podcast “Letters From Sing Sing.”
As a bonus for American Greed listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
As a bonus for The Rachel Maddow Show listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
As a special preview for Dateline listeners, we're sharing the first episode of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Follow the podcast and listen to the second episode now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
As a bonus for The Thing About Pam listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
As a bonus for Southlake listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
As a bonus for Morning Joe listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
JJ Velazquez claimed he had an alibi: a 74-minute phone call on a landline with his mother, Maria Velazquez, that overlapped with the time of the crime. So Dan visits Maria. She lives in a town in New York on the Hudson River directly across from Sing Sing, the maximum security prison where her son is incarcerated. Maria talks to Dan about JJ's childhood. And she recounts in detail her memory of January 27th, 1998, the day of Al Ward's murder.Meanwhile, Dan is still familiarizing himself with JJ's case file. There are thousands of pages of documents that sit in a box by his desk. He starts to work his way through the trial transcript. Immediately, it's clear to him that the trial was strange. As Dan unpacks what happened in the courtroom, he's left with more questions than answers. Prosecutors say five people identified JJ as the man who killed Al Ward. Dan decides to find them.
In December of 2002, NBC News Producer Dan Slepian got a letter from a New York State maximum security prison. It was detailed and meticulous, almost like it had been written by a lawyer. It was from a man serving 25 years to life for murder. And it ended with a desperate plea: look into my case.In 1998, Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez was arrested for killing a retired New York City police officer. A year later, he was convicted of second degree murder. But he insisted he didn't do it. Dan was skeptical. Prosecutors said five eyewitnesses had sworn JJ was the killer. Could five people be wrong?So Dan pays JJ a visit. And at the end of it, JJ gives Dan a challenge: prove me guilty.
As a bonus for 13 Alibis listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
As a bonus for Killer Role listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
As a bonus for Nightly News listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
As a bonus for Tiffany Dover Is Dead* listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
As a bonus for Missing in America listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Listen to the first two episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdlw
Tonight on The Last Word: Fox hosts continue to question election results. Also, world leaders pledge their support for Ukraine in Munich. Plus, the Proud Boys move to subpoena Donald Trump in the sedition trial. And a new NBC podcast series follows a formerly incarcerated man's decades-long quest to prove his innocence. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Rep. Ted Lieu, PA State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, Michael Beschloss, Rep. John Garamendi, Glenn Kirschner, Jill Wine-Banks and Dan Slepian join Ayman Mohyeldin.
As a bonus for Dateline listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News & Dateline producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Follow now to get the first two episodes on Monday, February 20: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdtw
As a bonus for Motive for Murder listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News & Dateline producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Follow now to get the first two episodes on Monday, February 20: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdtw
As a bonus for Mommy Doomsday listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News & Dateline producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Follow now to get the first two episodes on Monday, February 20: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdtw
As a bonus for Meet the Press listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Follow now to get the first two episodes on Monday, February 20: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdtw
As a bonus for The Thing About Helen & Olga listeners, we're sharing a special preview of Letters from Sing Sing, a new original podcast from NBC News Studios. Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, his fight for justice, and how the letters he sent NBC News & Dateline producer Dan Slepian sparked a 20-year investigation that changed both of their lives. Follow now to get the first two episodes on Monday, February 20: https://link.chtbl.com/lfss_fdtw
In December of 2002, NBC News producer Dan Slepian got a letter from a New York state prison. It was detailed and meticulous, almost like it had been written by a lawyer. But it wasn't. It was from a man serving 25 years to life for murder. And it ended with a desperate plea: look into my case.Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez had been convicted of killing a retired New York City police officer, but he insisted he didn't do it. Dan was skeptical. Prosecutors said five eyewitnesses had sworn JJ was the killer. Could five people be wrong?But JJ was adamant about his innocence. He had devoted years to fighting his case, spending hours in the law library, poring over every page of his file. He was confident that if Dan looked into it, he'd see the truth. He even challenged Dan to prove him guilty.So Dan began to dig. What he discovered went far beyond just JJ's case. And 20 years later, it's still unfolding.Letters from Sing Sing tells the story of a man convicted of murder, a journalist, and the letter that changed both of their lives. New episodes drop every Monday through March 27, 2023.
This week, Elizabeth Holmes, once described as America's first self-made female billionaire, goes on trial for fraud. She's accused of defrauding investors, doctors and patients who believed in the promise of her company, Theranos, which promised to test for hundreds of diseases—all from a single drop of blood.ABC News chief business, technology and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis has covered Holmes and Thernos extensively, and this week her podcast, The Drop Out, returns for a new season focused on the trial. “For me, part of the joy of doing the work with The Drop Out: Elizabeth Holmes on Trial was both the investigative side, but also this creativity where I was in this entirely new format...it was like painting with a paintbrush and getting to test things.”Previous EpisodeIn Episode 16 of the podcast, I talked to Dateline NBC supervising producer Dan Slepian about his podcast, 13 Alibis, which told the story of a man convicted of murder despite having thirteen people willing to testify he was in another state when the crime was committed. “I think that we would be stunned as a country to get a real understanding of how many people have been taken from their families, and put in prison for crimes they didn't commit.”“This isn't an aberration. It's how the system works,” he told me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standupkid.substack.com
After spending nearly 30 years on death row, Ogrod was released from prison after an investigation uncovered misconduct by police and prosecutors. In his first national interview, set to air Friday night on Dateline NBC, Ogrod tells NBC's Lester Holt how he was pressured to sign a confession filled with details he knew nothing about.“I think that we would be stunned as a country to get a real understanding of how many people have been taken from their families, and put in prison for crimes they didn't commit,” says Dateline supervising producer Dan Slepian, who worked on the story, digging into what Slepian describes as “a thirty year old case with thousands and thousands of pages of documents.”In our conversation, we talked about the details of this case—and his podcast, 13 Alibis, which also featured a man wrongfully convicted of murder. “This isn't an aberration. It's how the system works,” he told me.Previous EpisodeIn Episode 15 of the podcast, I talk to Bill Kurtis, veteran anchorman and one of broadcasting's most identifiable voices, familiar to viewers in Chicago, where he anchored newscasts at CBS owned-and-operated station WBBM-TV for decades alongside Walter Jacobson. Today, he can be heard on true crime shows like American Justice, Cold Case Files and American Justice. He was also the narrator of the film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. If you don't watch movies or television, you can catch Kurtis as the announcer and scorekeeper of NPR's Wait, Wait… Don't Tell Me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standupkid.substack.com
What do a New York murder, Police laziness and a baby's birth in Florida have in common?... How a man who claims to have 13 alibi witnesses got convicted of murder and served 20 years in prison.Tune in this week as Ollie introduces James to a Podcast that chronicles the case of Richard Rosario, who was convicted of a 1996 murder in New York City while he claims to have been in Florida, with 13 Alibis Brought to us by Dateline NBC and investigated, presented and produced by Dan Slepian, 13 Alibi's is a must listen.Make sure you listen to all the reasons you to get around this podcast.
As a bonus for 13 Alibis listeners, we’re sharing a special preview of “Into America”, a podcast hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Trymaine Lee. Dan Slepian recently joined Trymaine to discuss what happens if you’re one of the more than 2 million Americans sitting behind bars as Coronavirus spreads. Dan takes us inside New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility to meet JJ Velazquez, an inmate who describes how social dynamics inside prison are changing as fears of an outbreak grow. We hope you enjoy the preview. Listen to the full episode and subscribe to “Into America”: https://link.chtbl.com/7BcTGqT3?sid=description
Prisons are hotbeds of infection. People live in close quarters, where they often struggle to have access to soap and hot water. As COVID-19 sweeps the country, these men and women are doing everything they can to avoid getting sick. As many prisons reduce visitation rights, families that are already separated are struggling to remain in contact. This week, host Trymaine Lee talks to a Colorado woman who is struggling to stay in touch with her incarcerated husband as the outbreak intensifies. We hear from corrections officials in New York and Colorado about the steps being taken to reduce the risk of coronavirus behind bars. And Dateline NBC producer Dan Slepian takes us inside Sing Sing Correctional Facility to meet JJ Velazquez. Velazquez describes how social dynamics inside prison are changing as fears of an outbreak grow. For a transcript, please visit https://www.msnbc.com/intoamerica.Further Reading: Fear of coronavirus reaching Mississippi prisons worries advocates Inmates in Washington, D.C., sue over coronavirus fears, claim staff not taking precautions 1st prison inmate to die of coronavirus wrote heartbreaking letter to judge
Lucky number 13? Who knows.. but this is a review about the Dateline presented podcast about the conviction of a man who was not even in the same state as the murder and who had 13 ALIBIS! So what did we think about the podcast? tune in...ignore the fact we are not professionals, we do not remember names/information correctly (that is the actual podcasts job), and remember this is all in good fun! Like the review comments in Apple! PS ignore Elaina's anger issues this week!
Josh Mankiewicz and Dan Slepian discuss the issues of wrongful convictions in front of a live audience at the CrimeCon conference in New Orleans.
Is Richard Rosario an innocent man? Or is he a murderer? Dan Slepian begins his investigation at a prison in upstate New York, and at the scene of the crime in the Bronx.
The murder case against Richard Rosario was based on two eyewitnesses. But Rosario claims there are more than a dozen people who can prove he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. Dan Slepian packs his bags and heads to Florida to speak with some of those alibi witnesses. Along the way, he also meets Rosario’s wife and two children.
Did anyone fully investigate Richard Rosario’s alibi? Dan Slepian tracks down detectives, lawyers and an eyewitness to the murder – and gets some shocking answers to that question.
Talking to a murder victim’s family is a tough thing to do, but Dan Slepian needs to find out more information about Jorge Collazo in his search for the truth. Collazo’s sister tells Dan she’ll never forget the day her little brother was killed. And, she reveals a surprise about what happened just two weeks before the murder – a lead that could have been critical.
Suddenly, a change that could breathe new life into Richard Rosario’s bid for freedom. Dan Slepian speaks to the woman who could make all the difference.
It’s been more than 20 years since Richard Rosario was convicted of a murder he says he could not possibly have committed. If he didn’t do it, who did? And what’s next for Rosario and his family? This is the final episode of Dan Slepian’s 3-year investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How did a man who claims he had 13 alibi witnesses get convicted of murder and serve 20 years in prison? In this original series from Dateline NBC, producer Dan Slepian chronicles the case of Richard Rosario, who was convicted of a 1996 murder in New York City. Rosario has always insisted that he is innocent, and that 13 alibi witnesses will swear he was a thousand miles away in Florida while the crime was happening in New York. Ride along in real time as Slepian spends two years digging deep into Rosario’s case in a quest for the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices