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: 6
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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
Cotton, Marvin Michigan Wayne 2001 2020 Murder Life without parole 19 21 Black Male 2010 2020 10-26-2020
Kyles, Anthony Michigan Oakland 1997 2022 Murder Life without parole 25 27 Black Male 2011 2022 10-29-2022
Legion, Anthony Michigan Wayne 2001 2020 Murder Life without parole 19 27 Black Male 2010 2020 10-26-2020
Perry, Charles Jr. Michigan Oakland 1990 1996 Sexual Assault Term of Years 20 to 40 years 4 29 White Male 1991 1995 04-29-2020
Smith, Larry Jr. Michigan Wayne 1994 2021 Murder Life without parole 26 18 Black Male 2003 2021 03-03-2021
Watkins, Ledura Michigan Wayne 1976 2017 Murder Life without parole 41 19 Black Male 1980 2017 06-29-2017