Story perspectives
Exonerated Man Sues NYC for $100 Million After 24 Years
1/3/2026
44 8
1 of 1
Story summary
- Jon-Adrian Velazquez (JJ Velazquez) sues New York City for $100 million after 24 years in prison for a 1998 murder.
- He claims wrongful arrest and prosecution caused immense suffering.
- DNA evidence later cleared him after he was sentenced to life for shooting ex-cop Albert Ward during a robbery.
- DNA evidence led to his release in 2021 and exoneration in 2024.
- Velazquez's mother and sons also sue for $50 million.
