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: 7
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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 Contributing Factors Display Case Characteristics Recantation OM Tags DNA
Adams, Cheryl Massachusetts Essex 1989 1993 Theft Probation 0 26 White Female 1989 10-28-2014 Perjury or False Accusation F, NC, P
Echavarria, Angel Massachusetts Essex 1996 2015 Murder Life without parole 19 27 Hispanic Male 2015 06-20-2015 Mistaken Witness ID, Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense H, IO PR, WH
Epps, Derick Massachusetts Essex 2007 2016 Child Abuse Term of Years 7 to 10 years 6 27 Black Male 2013 10-07-2018 False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Inadequate Legal Defense CV, NC, SBS
Fields, John W. Massachusetts Essex 1892 1892 Burglary/Unlawful Entry Term of Years 2.5 years 1 19 Don't Know Male 1892 01-18-2019
Gutierrez, Erasmo Massachusetts Essex 2004 2022 Arson Term of Years 1 to 2 years 2 39 Hispanic Male 2006 05-05-2023 False Confession, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Inadequate Legal Defense A, IO, NC
LaFratta, Joseph Massachusetts Essex 2009 2010 Forgery Term of Years 2 years 1 33 White Male 2010 02-15-2018 Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct NC PR, WH
Usher, Cornelius Massachusetts Essex 1902 1904 Burglary/Unlawful Entry Term of Years 3 to 5 years 2 Don't Know Male 1904