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
Bailey, Robert Ballard West Virginia Kanawha 1950 1966 Murder Death 11 35 White Male 1960
Boyd, Payne West Virginia Mercer 1925 1925 Murder Life 1 Black Male 1925
Daniels, Elmer Delaware New Castle 1980 2018 Child Sex Abuse Life 39 18 Black Male 2018 12-17-2018
Harris, William West Virginia Kanawha 1987 1995 Sexual Assault Term of Years 10 to 20 years 8 17 Black Male 1995 08-29-2011
Holdren, Larry West Virginia Kanawha 1984 2000 Sexual Assault Term of Years 30 to 60 years 15 27 White Male 1999 08-29-2011
Howell, Frank West Virginia Marshall 1929 1931 Robbery Term of Years 15 years 1 28 White Male 1931
Purnell, Mark Delaware New Castle 2008 2022 Murder Term of Years 43 years 14 16 Black Male 2008 2022 06-06-2022
Woodall, Glen West Virginia Cabell 1987 1992 Sexual Assault Life 4 28 White Male 1991 08-29-2011