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: 11
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Abernathy, Christopher Illinois Cook 1987 2015 Murder Life without parole 28 17 White Male 2006 2015 02-13-2015
Coleman, Nevest Illinois Cook 1997 2017 Murder Life without parole 21 25 Black Male 2017 12-04-2017
Edwards, James Illinois Lake 1996 2012 Murder Life without parole 1 44 Black Male 1997 06-10-2012
Fulton, Darryl Illinois Cook 1997 2017 Murder Life without parole 21 26 Black Male 2017 12-04-2017
Hill, Harold Illinois Cook 1994 2005 Murder Life without parole 10 16 Black Male 2005 08-29-2011
Maxson, Mark Illinois Cook 1994 2016 Murder Life without parole 23 31 Black Male 2016 10-02-2016
Ollins, Calvin Illinois Cook 1988 2001 Murder Life without parole 14 14 Black Male 2001 2001 08-29-2011
Palmer, Charles Illinois Macon 2000 2016 Murder Life without parole 17 43 Black Male 2016 12-04-2016
Saunders, Omar Illinois Cook 1988 2001 Murder Life without parole 14 18 Black Male 2001 2001 08-29-2011
Williams, Herman Illinois Lake 1994 2022 Murder Life without parole 29 29 White Male 2022 09-26-2022
Young, Dan Jr. Illinois Cook 1994 2005 Murder Life without parole 10 30 Black Male 2005 08-29-2011