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 Date of Release Posting Date
Davis, Lavelle Illinois Kane 1997 2009 Murder Term of Years 45 years 9 20 Black Male 2006 08-29-2011
Lane, Lionel Illinois Kane 1995 1995 Murder Term of Years 60 years 0 33 Black Male 1995 08-29-2011
Moore, Jonathan Illinois Kane 2002 2012 Murder Term of Years 76 years 10 18 Black Male 2012 06-18-2012
Murphy, Cortez Illinois Macon 2013 2015 Burglary/Unlawful Entry Term of Years 6 years 2 26 Black Male 2015 10-16-2017
Palmer, Charles Illinois Macon 2000 2016 Murder Life without parole 17 43 Black Male 2016 12-04-2016
Perez, Victor Illinois Kane 1996 2001 Murder Term of Years 20 years 4 19 Hispanic Male 2000 05-21-2020
Smith, Adam Illinois Macon 2016 2020 Threats Term of Years 10 years 4 32 White Male 2019 12-17-2021