Dateline Originals – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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

A conversation with a killer and the motive for murder is revealed.

This episode was originally published on June 4, 2020.

A routine traffic stop leads to a break in the case.

This episode was originally published on May 28, 2020.

An escape from danger becomes the beginning of the nightmare.

This episode was originally published on May 21, 2020.

A second murder raises perplexing questions for investigators.

This episode was originally published on May 14, 2020.

Investigators learn more about the men in Gelareh’s life.

This episode was originally published on May 7, 2020.

She was a small woman with a big voice. And then she was gone.

This episode was originally published on May 7, 2020.

Keith Morrison talks with Renée Zellweger about how and why she made her scripted series.

This episode was originally published on March 7, 2022.