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: 11
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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
Beals, Brian Illinois Cook 1990 2023 Murder Term of Years 80 years 34 22 Black Male 2023 2023 01-03-2024
Bradford, Marcellius Illinois Cook 1988 2001 Kidnapping Term of Years 12 years 6 17 Black Male 2001 1994 08-29-2011
Dotson, Gary Illinois Cook 1979 1989 Sexual Assault Term of Years 25 to 50 years 6 20 White Male 1985 1985 08-29-2011
Gillard, Larry Illinois Cook 1982 2009 Sexual Assault Term of Years 24 years 27 22 Black Male 2009 08-29-2011
Holland, Dana Illinois Cook 1997 2003 Sexual Assault Term of Years 90 years 0 25 Black Male 1997 08-29-2011
Miller, Jerry Illinois Cook 1982 2007 Sexual Assault Term of Years 45 years 24 23 Black Male 2006 08-29-2011
Pendleton, Marlon Illinois Cook 1996 2006 Sexual Assault Term of Years 20 years 11 35 Black Male 2006 08-29-2011
Reynolds, Donald Illinois Cook 1988 1997 Sexual Assault Term of Years 69 years 10 20 Black Male 1997 08-29-2011
Rollins, Lafonso Illinois Cook 1994 2004 Sexual Assault Term of Years 75 years 10 17 Black Male 2004 08-29-2011
Starks, Bennie Illinois Lake 1986 2013 Sexual Assault Term of Years 60 years 20 26 Black Male 2006 01-07-2013
Wardell, Billy Illinois Cook 1988 1997 Sexual Assault Term of Years 69 years 10 21 Black Male 1997 08-29-2011