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: 9
Export Data
Select More Columns:
Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Callanan, Lawrence Missouri St. Louis 1996 2020 Murder Life without parole 24 19 White Male 2018 2020 07-06-2020
Dexter, Clarence Richard Jr. Missouri Clay 1991 1999 Murder Death 8 49 White Male 1998 1999 08-29-2011
Ferguson, Ryan Missouri Boone 2005 2013 Murder Term of Years 40 years 8 17 White Male 2009 2013 11-14-2013
Helmig, Dale Missouri Osage 1996 2011 Murder Life without parole 15 37 White Male 2010 2010 01-17-2012
Kezer, Joshua Missouri Scott 1994 2009 Murder Term of Years 60 years 15 17 White Male 2007 2009 08-29-2011
Leap, Earnest Missouri Jackson 1992 2016 Child Sex Abuse Probation 0 31 White Male 2007 1992 08-22-2016
Nash, Donald Missouri Dent 2009 2020 Murder Life without parole 11 39 White Male 2017 2020 10-28-2020
Smith, Codey Missouri Barton 2008 2012 Robbery Term of Years 16 years 4 21 White Male 2010 2012 06-02-2017
Wilson, Johnny Lee Missouri Lawrence 1987 1995 Murder Life without parole 8 20 White Male 1989 1995 08-29-2011