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 Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Davis, Andre Illinois Champaign 1981 2012 Murder Life 31 19 Black Male 2012 07-06-2012
Kluppelberg, James Illinois Cook 1989 2012 Murder Life 23 18 White Male 2007 2012 05-31-2012
Ollins, Larry Illinois Cook 1988 2001 Murder Life 13 16 Black Male 2001 2001 08-29-2011
Rainge, Willie Illinois Cook 1978 1996 Murder Life 18 20 Black Male 1994 1996 08-29-2011
Rivera, Juan Illinois Lake 1993 2012 Murder Life 18 19 Hispanic Male 2012 02-07-2012
Tillman, Michael Illinois Cook 1986 2010 Murder Life 23 20 Black Male 2010 08-29-2011
Villa, Alexander Illinois Cook 2019 2024 Murder Life 6 23 Hispanic Male 2024 10-16-2024
Willis, John Illinois Cook 1993 1999 Sexual Assault Life 6 42 Black Male 1999 08-29-2011