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: 9
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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
Brison, Dale Pennsylvania Chester 1991 1994 Sexual Assault Term of Years 18 to 42 years 3 27 Black Male 1994 08-29-2011
Brown, Patrick Pennsylvania Dauphin 2002 2010 Robbery Term of Years 22 to 70 years 8 21 Black Male 2010 06-30-2012
Doswell, Thomas Pennsylvania Allegheny 1986 2005 Sexual Assault Term of Years 13 to 26 years 19 24 Black Male 2005 08-29-2011
Kelly, William M. Jr. Pennsylvania Dauphin 1990 1993 Murder Term of Years 10 to 20 years 3 28 White Male 1992 1993 08-29-2011
Laughman, Barry Pennsylvania Adams 1988 2004 Murder Life 15 24 White Male 2003 08-29-2011
Moto, Vincent Pennsylvania Philadelphia 1987 1996 Sexual Assault Term of Years 12 to 24 years 9 22 Black Male 1996 08-29-2011
Nesmith, Willie James Pennsylvania Cumberland 1982 2001 Sexual Assault Term of Years 9 to 25 years 18 20 Black Male 2000 08-29-2011
Ruby, Donald Pennsylvania Perry 1987 1993 Murder Life 6 39 White Male 1993 10-28-2014
Wilson, Harold C. Pennsylvania Philadelphia 1989 2005 Murder Death 16 30 Black Male 2005 08-29-2011