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: 210
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Williams, Richard California Sacramento 1998 2015 Murder Life without parole 17 18 Black Male 2015 01-26-2016
Wilson, Andrew California Los Angeles 1986 2017 Murder Life without parole 30 29 Black Male 2017 04-03-2017
Wilson, Jackie Illinois Cook 1983 2020 Murder Life without parole 35 21 Black Male 2018 2018 10-16-2020
Wilson, Johnny Lee Missouri Lawrence 1987 1995 Murder Life without parole 8 20 White Male 1989 1995 08-29-2011
Woods, Cathy Nevada Washoe 1980 2015 Murder Life without parole 34 26 White Female 2014 03-09-2015
Woolfolk, Michael Georgia Fulton 2004 2021 Murder Life without parole 17 23 Black Male 2021 05-22-2021
Wright, Anthony Pennsylvania Philadelphia 1993 2016 Murder Life without parole 23 20 Black Male 2013 2016 08-26-2016
Wright, David Illinois Cook 1996 2023 Murder Life without parole 26 17 Black Male 2017 2022 04-20-2023
York, Kenneth Missouri Vernon 1994 2010 Sexual Assault Life without parole 16 38 White Male 2010 08-29-2011
Young, Paul Michigan Wayne 1987 2021 Murder Life without parole 32 17 Black Male 2005 2019 01-24-2022