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
Bragdon, Anthony District of Columbia 1992 2003 Sexual Assault Term of Years 30 years 10 19 Black Male 2002 08-29-2011
Gates, Donald Eugene District of Columbia 1982 2009 Murder Term of Years 20 to Life 27 30 Black Male 2009 08-29-2011
Nelson, Derrie District of Columbia 1986 2022 Murder Term of Years 42 to Life 32 Black Male 2018 07-24-2022
Nelson, Gary Georgia Chatham 1980 1991 Murder Death 11 29 Black Male 1991 08-29-2011
Watkins, Joseph Georgia Floyd 2001 2023 Murder Life 22 19 White Male 2003 2023 10-17-2023
Wright, Cleveland District of Columbia 1979 2014 Murder Term of Years 20 to Life 27 20 Black Male 2007 02-03-2014