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: 518
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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
Willis, Dexter Illinois Cook 2004 2022 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 3 years 1 19 Black Male 2005 05-16-2022
Willis, Dexter Illinois Cook 2003 2022 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 3 months 0 18 Black Male 2003 10-04-2022
Wilson, Jackie Illinois Cook 1983 2020 Murder Life without parole 35 21 Black Male 2018 2018 10-16-2020
Wilson, Robert Illinois Cook 1999 2006 Attempted Murder Term of Years 30 years 7 41 Black Male 2006 2006 08-29-2011
Winston, Michael Illinois Cook 2007 2012 Murder Term of Years 40 years 5 21 Black Male 2007 2012 07-05-2012
Wise, Martez Illinois Cook 2007 2018 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 1 year 1 23 Black Male 2008 12-03-2018
Woidtke, Rodney Illinois St. Clair 1989 2001 Murder Term of Years 45 years 12 27 White Male 2001 08-29-2011
Woods, D'Andra Illinois Cook 2004 2022 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 3 years 2 25 Black Male 2006 05-18-2022
Wrice, Stanley Illinois Cook 1983 2013 Sexual Assault Life 31 28 Black Male 2011 2013 12-12-2013
Wright, Anthony Illinois Cook 2007 2022 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 2 years 0 42 Black Male 2007 03-14-2022
Wright, Anthony Jr. Illinois Cook 2005 2022 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 5 years 2 19 Black Male 2006 05-11-2022
Wright, David Illinois Cook 1996 2023 Murder Life without parole 26 17 Black Male 2017 2022 04-20-2023
Wright, Ervin Illinois Cook 2004 2023 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 1 year and 6 months 0 43 Black Male 2004 09-13-2023
Wright, Joseph Illinois Cook 2005 2022 Drug Possession or Sale Probation 0 23 Black Male 2005 03-14-2022
Wynn, Morris Illinois Cook 2005 2006 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 8 years 2 21 White Male 2006 08-29-2011
Yanez, Jose Illinois Rock Island 2020 2024 Murder Term of Years 15 years 2 28 Hispanic Male 2022 12-05-2024
Young, Gregory Illinois Cook 2003 2022 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 4 years 2 38 Black Male 2005 03-08-2022
Zajicek, Herman Illinois Cook 1907 1917 Murder Death 9 39 White Male 1917