This book tells the story of Dan Slepian, a veteran producer for NBC's Dateline, who received a tip from a Bronx homicide detective about two men serving twenty-five years in prison for a murder they did not commit. Slepian became determined to help these men and, over the course of two decades, embarked on a journey to challenge the justice system, which he found to be resistant to change and willing to overlook its mistakes.
Through years of prison visits, court hearings, and street reporting, Slepian gathered evidence and built a case to prove the men's innocence. What was most remarkable about this case was the role that one of the prisoners, Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez, played in Slepian's investigations. JJ, who had been wrongly imprisoned for decades, stayed in touch with Slepian from his cell in Sing Sing and even aided him in his research from within. The bond between a wrongly accused man and the journalist who helped him is a poignant and powerful one, and it played a significant role in helping to uncover the truth about the men's cases.
Slepian's journey was not just about helping his clients, but also about exposing the flaws in the justice system. The book is a deeply personal account of wrongful imprisonment, reckoning, and accountability. Through his story, Slepian sheds light on an injustice that, although not new, has only recently begun to gain national attention. The story follows Slepian's power and his techniques for using investigative journalism to effect justice.
I just finished reading a book that left me with a lot to think about. The story follows a journalist who received a tip about two men who were serving 25 years in prison for a crime they didn't commit. The journalist, Dan Slepian, became determined to help these men and spent years gathering evidence and working to exonerate them. What struck me most about this book was the bond that developed between Slepian and one of the prisoners, Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez. JJ had been wrongly imprisoned for decades and was able to share his knowledge and experience with Slepian, which was invaluable in helping to uncover the truth.
As I read about Slepian's journey, I couldn't help but think about the many times that I've seen the justice system fall short. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that everything is fair and just, but the stories like Slepian's show us that this is rarely the case. Slepian's determination and perseverance in the face of obstacles and setbacks is truly inspiring. He's a testament to the power of investigative journalism and the importance of holding those in power accountable. Through his story, he sheds light on a system that often fails its most vulnerable citizens.
What I think is most remarkable about Slepian's story is the way in which he went beyond just helping his clients. He was driven by a desire to expose the flaws in the justice system and to ensure that others would not suffer the same fate. His book is a deeply personal account of wrongful imprisonment, reckoning, and accountability. It's a powerful reminder that justice is not always served and that sometimes, it takes a real champion to fight for what's right. I was left feeling grateful for Slepian's bravery and dedication to the truth.
Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
This book tells the story of a journalist, Dan Slepian, who received a tip about two men serving 25 years in prison for a crime they didn't commit. Slepian spent years gathering evidence and working to exonerate them, forming a strong bond with one of the prisoners, Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez. What struck me most was the impact of this story on the justice system, highlighting its flaws and shortcomings. Slepian's determination and perseverance are truly inspiring, and his book sheds light on a system that often fails its most vulnerable citizens. I was left feeling grateful for his bravery and dedication to the truth. The bond between Slepian and JJ is a powerful reminder of the human cost of wrongful imprisonment.