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
Bennett, Joseph Massachusetts Suffolk 1998 2024 Murder Life without parole 17 22 Black Male 2006 2015 12-17-2024
Brown, Albert Massachusetts Suffolk 1987 2022 Murder Life without parole 35 32 Black Male 2022 05-01-2023
Choy, Frances Massachusetts Plymouth 2011 2020 Murder Life without parole 9 17 Asian Female 2020 10-11-2020
Cifizzari, Gary Massachusetts Worcester 1984 2019 Murder Life without parole 35 23 White Male 2019 2019 01-08-2020
Clay, Frederick Massachusetts Suffolk 1981 2017 Murder Life without parole 36 16 Black Male 2001 2017 08-15-2017
Hill, Michael Massachusetts Hampden 1996 2002 Murder Life without parole 4 18 Black Male 1999 09-10-2012
Sullivan, Michael Massachusetts Middlesex 1987 2019 Murder Life without parole 26 25 White Male 2013 03-07-2019
Watson, James Massachusetts Suffolk 1981 2020 Murder Life without parole 39 20 Black Male 2001 2020 11-25-2020