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
Agnew, Gregory Illinois Lake 1988 2001 Robbery Term of Years 30 years 13 28 Black Male 2001 01-18-2018
Edwards, James Illinois Lake 1996 2012 Murder Life without parole 1 44 Black Male 1997 06-10-2012
Gonzalez, Angel Illinois Lake 1995 2015 Sexual Assault Term of Years 55 years 20 20 Hispanic Male 2015 03-12-2015
Melock, Robert Illinois Lake 1989 2024 Murder Death 35 22 White Male 2024 01-02-2025
Rivera, Juan Illinois Lake 1993 2012 Murder Life 18 19 Hispanic Male 2012 02-07-2012
Strong, Jason Illinois Lake 2000 2015 Murder Term of Years 46 years 15 24 White Male 2010 2015 05-30-2015
Williams, Herman Illinois Lake 1994 2022 Murder Life without parole 29 29 White Male 2022 09-26-2022