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
Adams, Kenneth Illinois Cook 1978 1996 Murder Term of Years 75 years 18 22 Black Male 1994 1996 08-29-2011
Fulton, John Illinois Cook 2006 2019 Murder Term of Years 31 years 12 18 Black Male 2019 06-17-2020
Jimerson, Verneal Illinois Cook 1985 1996 Murder Death 10 25 Black Male 1994 1996 08-29-2011
Mitchell, Anthony Illinois Cook 2006 2019 Murder Term of Years 31 years 12 17 Black Male 2019 06-17-2020
Patterson, Maurice Illinois Cook 2003 2010 Murder Term of Years 30 years 7 35 Black Male 2010 2010 08-29-2011
Rainge, Willie Illinois Cook 1978 1996 Murder Life 18 20 Black Male 1994 1996 08-29-2011
Williams, Dennis Illinois Cook 1978 1996 Murder Death 18 21 Black Male 1994 1996 08-29-2011
Williams, Herman Illinois Lake 1994 2022 Murder Life without parole 29 29 White Male 2022 09-26-2022