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: 8
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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
Bilger, George Pennsylvania Philadelphia 1938 1940 Murder Death 2 19 White Male 1940 10-25-2021
Frazier, James Pennsylvania Philadelphia 2013 2019 Murder Life without parole 6 19 Black Male 2019 04-26-2019
Garcia, Arkel Pennsylvania Philadelphia 2015 2021 Murder Life without parole 6 19 Black Male 2021 07-16-2021
Gwynn, Daniel Pennsylvania Philadelphia 1995 2024 Murder Death 28 24 Black Male 2024 03-14-2024
Kelly, William M. Jr. Pennsylvania Dauphin 1990 1993 Murder Term of Years 10 to 20 years 3 28 White Male 1992 1993 08-29-2011
Laughman, Barry Pennsylvania Adams 1988 2004 Murder Life 15 24 White Male 2003 08-29-2011
Pacek, Jerry Pennsylvania Allegheny 1959 1991 Murder Term of Years 10 to 20 years 10 13 White Male 1968 08-29-2011
Sheeler, Rudolph Pennsylvania Philadelphia 1939 1951 Murder Life 12 23 White Male 1951