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: 7
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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
Addison, Ronald Maryland Baltimore City 1998 2005 Murder Term of Years 30 years 8 19 Black Male 2003 2005 08-29-2011
Austin, Michael Maryland Baltimore City 1975 2002 Murder Life 27 25 Black Male 1976 2001 08-29-2011
McDermott, Christopher Maryland Carroll 1999 2000 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 3 years 1 23 White Male 1999 2000 02-10-2016
Morris, David Maryland Baltimore City 2005 2021 Murder Term of Years 50 years 16 19 Black Male 2005 2021 11-15-2021
Owens, James L. Maryland Baltimore City 1988 2008 Murder Life 20 22 White Male 1988 2008 08-29-2011
Smith, Demetrius Maryland Baltimore City 2010 2012 Murder Life 3 25 Black Male 2012 2012 03-12-2013
Thomas, Melvin Maryland Baltimore City 2001 2020 Attempted Murder Term of Years 65 years 19 20 Black Male 2018 2020 01-04-2021