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: 14
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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
Ayers, David Ohio Cuyahoga 2000 2011 Murder Life without parole 11 42 Black Male 2011 02-21-2012
Booker, Donte Ohio Cuyahoga 1987 2005 Sexual Assault Term of Years 10 to 25 years 15 18 Black Male 2002 08-29-2011
Brown, Danny Ohio Lucas 1982 2001 Murder Life 19 24 Black Male 2001 08-29-2011
Brunner, Eric Ohio Stark 1996 2023 Sexual Assault Term of Years 9 to 40 years 13 24 Black Male 2009 10-26-2023
Elkins, Clarence Ohio Summit 1999 2005 Murder Term of Years 55 to Life 7 35 White Male 2002 2005 08-29-2011
Fears, Joseph R. Jr. Ohio Franklin 1984 2009 Sexual Assault Term of Years 15 to 25 years 25 34 Black Male 2009 08-29-2011
King, Evin Ohio Cuyahoga 1995 2017 Murder Term of Years 15 to life 22 37 Black Male 2017 11-13-2017
McClendon, Robert Ohio Franklin 1991 2008 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 15 to Life 17 34 Black Male 2008 08-29-2011
Miller, Christopher Ohio Cuyahoga 2002 2018 Sexual Assault Term of Years 40 years 16 24 Black Male 2018 06-29-2018
Piszczek, Brian Ohio Cuyahoga 1991 1994 Sexual Assault Term of Years 15 to 25 years 3 22 White Male 1994 08-29-2011
Siller, Thomas Ohio Cuyahoga 1998 2011 Murder Term of Years 30 to life 13 41 White Male 2011 10-04-2013
Smith, Walter D. Ohio Franklin 1986 1996 Sexual Assault Term of Years 78 to Life 10 27 Black Male 1996 08-29-2011
Towler, Raymond Ohio Cuyahoga 1981 2010 Child Sex Abuse Life 29 24 Black Male 2010 08-29-2011
Zimmer, Walter Ohio Cuyahoga 1998 2011 Manslaughter Term of Years 50 years 13 40 White Male 2011 10-04-2013