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: 16
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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
Dziubak, Richard Paul Minnesota Ramsey 1987 1989 Manslaughter Term of Years 6 years and 9 months 1 34 White Male 1988 08-29-2011
Engberg-Lehmer, Teresa Iowa Pottawattamie 1997 1998 Manslaughter Term of Years 15 years 1 24 White Female 1998 07-29-2012
Esse, Eric Iowa Cerro Gordo 2003 2006 Murder Life without parole 3 33 White Male 2006 07-18-2013
Goldenstein, Paulene Minnesota Hennepin 1992 1994 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 10 years 1 42 White Female 1993 03-09-2016
Goldenstein, Ronald Minnesota Hennepin 1992 1994 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 10 years 1 51 White Male 1993 03-09-2016
Hansen, Michael Minnesota Douglas 2006 2011 Murder Term of Years 14 years and 6 months 6 27 White Male 2011 05-31-2012
Harrington, Terry Iowa Pottawattamie 1978 2003 Murder Life 25 17 Black Male 1991 2003 08-29-2011
Jackson, Sammy Minnesota Ramsey 2014 2015 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 1 year and 3 months 0 42 Black Male 2015 08-26-2017
Kaiser, Robert Minnesota Stearns 2016 2025 Murder Term of Years 20 years 6 31 White Male 2021 2022 05-30-2025
Lehmer, Joel Iowa Pottawattamie 1997 1998 Manslaughter Term of Years 15 years 1 32 White Male 1998 07-29-2012
Lewis, George Minnesota Hennepin 1988 1991 Sexual Assault Term of Years 12 years and 8 months 3 28 Black Male 1991 10-28-2014
McGhee, Curtis Iowa Pottawattamie 1978 2011 Murder Life 25 17 Black Male 1991 2003 05-29-2013
Payne, Dana Minnesota Hennepin 1989 1991 Other Violent Felony Term of Years 1 year 1 28 White Male 1989 10-25-2014
Smith, Tammy Iowa Humboldt 2007 2011 Child Abuse Term of Years 10 years 4 32 White Female 2011 01-23-2014
Tracy, Ronald Iowa Jackson 1989 1992 Sexual Assault Term of Years 10 years 2 37 White Male 1992 1992 08-01-2019
Weaver, Mary Iowa Marshall 1994 1997 Murder Life without parole 2 41 White Female 1996 07-29-2012