Joseph (JJ) Nuccio

Over 17 years ago, my former life ended when I was arrested and convicted for a murder that I didn't commit. In spite of that, I would still say that I have been fairly lucky! I say that because I've known the love of friends, family, and a wonderful woman.

I am an artist. My artwork, that is, my ability to express my “artistic viewpoints,” is one of the things that makes me feel different from the majority of people. These abilities have been one of my greatest sources of pride.

When I think about my future, however, my greatest source of pride is to come from something else. Should my lawyer Jen Sheetz managed to secure my release, she's asked me to work alongside her in her quest for criminal justice reform. Though art will always maintain a prominent role in my life, that advocacy will be a much better reason for the contemplation of my life.

JJ Nuccio has served over 17 years in prison of a 25 year to life sentence for a crime that all of the evidence shows that he did not commit.

The ​​People’s Commission for Integrity in Criminal Justice, who is representing his innocence case, confirms that there was no physical or circumstantial evidence tying Nuccio to the murder. The material evidence from the murder weapon that would point to the actual murderer, and exonerate Nuccio, has been mysteriously missing since 2007 -- the year he was tried in a cold case prosecution. Since his post-conviction discovery, he has been repeatedly prevented from getting access to the original DNA evidence from the murder scene despite his legal right to the evidence. JJ remains in a precarious position with all judges in the county having recused themselves from his case, and no alternate tribunal available to order access to the evidence and a provide fair hearing with this abundant evidence that would exonerate him that was discovered in 2022 and 2023.