“This isn’t a celebration,” Velazquez told reporters.
“This is an indictment of the system.”
In the wake of regaining his freedom, Velazquez sought to clear his name.
Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez at the ‘Sing Sing’ premiere in 2023.Robin L Marshall/Getty
On Monday, that wish was fulfilled when Manhattan Judge Abraham Clottoverturnedhis second-degree murder conviction.
It has always been this way, but it doesn’t have to be, because we deserve better.
Because we are better."
He added, “This isnt a celebration.
This is an indictment of the system.”
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Domingo, Velazquez’s co-star in the A24 film, addressed the news in a statement toPEOPLE.
This moves me to tears.
It is his commitment to his own justice that justice was finally served.
It came late but it came and JJ can lovingly, joyfully, purposefully live again, said Domingo.
JJ is such an extraordinary human that advocates for others passionately and lovingly.
He added, There are many JJs still fighting for their liberation of being wrongfully convicted and serving time.
