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: 18
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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
Amick, Michael Missouri Oregon 2011 2016 Murder Life 5 32 White Male 2016 12-10-2016
Buchli, Richard II Missouri Jackson 2002 2012 Murder Life without parole 5 50 White Male 2008 08-16-2013
Callanan, Lawrence Missouri St. Louis 1996 2020 Murder Life without parole 24 19 White Male 2018 2020 07-06-2020
Craig, Alvin Missouri Jefferson 1929 1930 Murder Term of Years 10 years 1 White Male 1930
DeMore, Louis Missouri St. Louis 1934 1934 Murder Life 0 43 White Male 1934
Engel, Gary Missouri Clay 1991 2010 Kidnapping Term of Years 90 years 19 33 White Male 2010 08-29-2011
Ferguson, Ryan Missouri Boone 2005 2013 Murder Term of Years 40 years 8 17 White Male 2009 2013 11-14-2013
Hemme, Sandra Missouri Buchanan 1981 2024 Murder Life without parole 43 20 White Female 2024 12-17-2024
Hess, Walter Missouri Jefferson 1929 1930 Murder Term of Years 10 years 1 White Male 1930
Leap, Earnest Missouri Jackson 1992 2016 Child Sex Abuse Probation 0 31 White Male 2007 1992 08-22-2016
Reynolds, Melvin Lee Missouri Buchanan 1979 1983 Murder Life 4 24 White Male 1983
Smith, Codey Missouri Barton 2008 2012 Robbery Term of Years 16 years 4 21 White Male 2010 2012 06-02-2017
Strughold, James Missouri St. Louis 1997 1999 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 30 days 0 53 White Male 1997 09-22-2015
Taff, Maurice Missouri St. Louis 1931 1932 Robbery Term of Years 10 years 1 19 White Male 1932
White, Theodore Jr. Missouri Jackson 1999 2005 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 50 years 6 35 White Male 2005 08-29-2011
Wilkerson, Mike Missouri Jasper 2000 2017 Sexual Assault Not Sentenced 17 39 White Male 2017 07-05-2017
Wilson, Johnny Lee Missouri Lawrence 1987 1995 Murder Life without parole 8 20 White Male 1989 1995 08-29-2011
York, Kenneth Missouri Vernon 1994 2010 Sexual Assault Life without parole 16 38 White Male 2010 08-29-2011