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: 19
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Years lost Age Race Sex Date of Release Posting Date
Andrews, James Illinois Cook 1985 2008 Murder Life 23 21 Black Male 2007 12-21-2012
Caine, Eric Illinois Cook 1989 2011 Murder Life 22 20 Black Male 2011 08-31-2011
Davis, Andre Illinois Champaign 1981 2012 Murder Life 31 19 Black Male 2012 07-06-2012
Evans, Michael Illinois Cook 1976 2003 Murder Life 27 17 Black Male 2003 08-29-2011
Fauntleroy, David Illinois Cook 1986 2009 Murder Life 22 22 Black Male 2009 12-21-2012
Fischer, Marshall Illinois Cook 1942 1942 Robbery Life 0 21 White Male 1942
Gayol, Robert Illinois Cook 2001 2003 Murder Life 2 33 Hispanic Male 2003 08-29-2011
Harpstrite, Valentine Illinois St. Clair 1929 1968 Murder Life 20 24 White Male 1949
Logan, Alton Illinois Cook 1982 2008 Murder Life 26 28 Black Male 2008 08-29-2011
Lucas, Jesse Illinois Wabash 1909 1941 Murder Life 22 23 White Male 1931
Lucas, Margaret Illinois Wabash 1909 1941 Murder Life 0 White Female 1909
Montgomery, James Illinois Lake 1924 1949 Sexual Assault Life 26 30 Black Male 1949
Newsome, James Illinois Cook 1980 1995 Murder Life 14 24 Black Male 1994 08-29-2011
Pugh, Earl Howard Illinois Cook 1937 1953 Murder Life 16 19 Black Male 1953
Rivera, Juan Illinois Lake 1993 2012 Murder Life 18 19 Hispanic Male 2012 02-07-2012
Terry, Paul Illinois Cook 1977 2003 Murder Life 26 17 Black Male 2003 08-29-2011
Tillman, Michael Illinois Cook 1986 2010 Murder Life 23 20 Black Male 2010 08-29-2011
Villa, Alexander Illinois Cook 2019 2024 Murder Life 6 23 Hispanic Male 2024 10-16-2024
Willis, John Illinois Cook 1993 1999 Sexual Assault Life 6 42 Black Male 1999 08-29-2011