Instructions for Using the Registry

The table below shows all individual exonerations. By default, the table is set to show exonerations from 1989 through the present. Check "Pre-1989" in the Exoneration Era filter to view Pre-1989 exonerations. Use the filters on the left to search for exonerations with particular criteria. Hover over the symbols for explanations of filters or columns. Use the Keyword Search box to filter for cases that contain those keywords in the narrative summary.

If multiple keywords are entered, the search will show cases in which the narrative contains ANY of those words. Since the table is filtered to 1989 through the present by default, a search for the name of someone who was exonerated before 1989 will not produce results until the Date of Exoneration is adjusted, or the Pre-1989 filter is selected. Once filters have been set, select the column headings you wish to display, and sort the table by whatever column heading you choose by clicking on the column heading. For more detailed instructions, see Understanding the Registry, under "About" at the top right of the Home Page. Note: 1989 was the year of the first DNA exoneration and the dawn of a new era of wrongful convictions. The Registry used to separate the two - pre and post 1989 exonerations - into two separate and distinct databases. They are now synthesized to reflect the entire body of exoneration data. If you wish to view exonerations prior to 1989, check "Pre-1989" in the Exoneration Era filter. Read Less
Total records: 13
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Fulton, John Illinois Cook 2006 2019 Murder Term of Years 31 years 12 18 Black Male 2019 06-17-2020
Gillespie, Jerry Illinois Cook 1994 2024 Murder Term of Years 40 years 20 18 Black Male 2014 04-18-2024
Henderson, Reginald Illinois Cook 1996 2021 Murder Term of Years 55 years 24 18 Black Male 2020 10-12-2021
Linscott, Steven Illinois Cook 1982 1992 Murder Term of Years 40 years 3 26 White Male 1985 08-29-2011
Lyons, Marcus Illinois DuPage 1988 2007 Sexual Assault Term of Years 6 years 2 29 Black Male 1991 08-29-2011
Marshall, James Illinois Cook 1991 2024 Murder Term of Years 60 years 28 32 Black Male 2019 08-28-2024
Mitchell, Anthony Illinois Cook 2006 2019 Murder Term of Years 31 years 12 17 Black Male 2019 06-17-2020
Reed, Carl Illinois Cook 2005 2023 Murder Term of Years 27 years 14 41 Black Male 2020 06-15-2023
Smith, Steven Illinois Cook 1986 1999 Murder Death 13 37 Black Male 1999 09-03-2012
Spates, Jamie Illinois Winnebago 2018 2021 Murder Not Sentenced 0 41 Black Male 2018 09-08-2021
Tillman, Michael Illinois Cook 1986 2010 Murder Life 23 20 Black Male 2010 08-29-2011
Williams, Herman Illinois Lake 1994 2022 Murder Life without parole 29 29 White Male 2022 09-26-2022
Wynn, Morris Illinois Cook 2005 2006 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 8 years 2 21 White Male 2006 08-29-2011