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
Brison, Dale Pennsylvania Chester 1991 1994 Sexual Assault Term of Years 18 to 42 years 3 27 Black Male 1994 08-29-2011
Laughman, Barry Pennsylvania Adams 1988 2004 Murder Life 15 24 White Male 2003 08-29-2011
Nesmith, Willie James Pennsylvania Cumberland 1982 2001 Sexual Assault Term of Years 9 to 25 years 18 20 Black Male 2000 08-29-2011
Ogrod, Walter Pennsylvania Philadelphia 1996 2020 Murder Death 24 23 White Male 2020 06-25-2020
Ramirez, Edward Pennsylvania Philadelphia 1998 2023 Murder Life 26 18 Hispanic Male 2015 2023 12-11-2023
Ruby, Donald Pennsylvania Perry 1987 1993 Murder Life 6 39 White Male 1993 10-28-2014
Whitley, Drew Pennsylvania Allegheny 1989 2006 Murder Life 17 32 Black Male 2006 08-29-2011
Yarris, Nicholas Pennsylvania Delaware 1982 2003 Murder Death 21 20 White Male 1983 2003 08-29-2011