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: 10
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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
Doswell, Thomas Pennsylvania Allegheny 1986 2005 Sexual Assault Term of Years 13 to 26 years 19 24 Black Male 2005 08-29-2011
Gainer, Donald Pennsylvania Allegheny 1985 1992 Arson Term of Years 22 to 45 years 8 31 White Male 1985 1992 10-14-2014
Jones, Hayden Pennsylvania Allegheny 1949 1968 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 15 to 30 years 19 25 White Male 1968
Nelson, Bruce Pennsylvania Allegheny 1982 1991 Murder Life 9 24 Black Male 1991 1991 08-29-2011
Pacek, Jerry Pennsylvania Allegheny 1959 1991 Murder Term of Years 10 to 20 years 10 13 White Male 1968 08-29-2011
Piano, Anthony Pennsylvania Allegheny 1937 1937 Robbery Term of Years 2 to 4 years 0 18 Don't Know Male 1937
Rusnak, George Pennsylvania Allegheny 1891 1897 Murder Death 7 20 White Male 1897
Sabol, Michael Pennsylvania Allegheny 1891 1895 Murder Death 4 White Male 1895
Toth, Andrew Pennsylvania Allegheny 1891 1911 Murder Life without parole 20 41 White Male 1911
Whitley, Drew Pennsylvania Allegheny 1989 2006 Murder Life 17 32 Black Male 2006 08-29-2011