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: 13
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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
Burt, Lavale Illinois Cook 1986 1986 Murder Not Sentenced 0 19 Black Male 1986
Cobb, Perry Illinois Cook 1979 1987 Murder Death 7 37 Black Male 1987
Dixon, James Illinois Cook 1972 1974 Murder Term of Years 25 to 60 years 2 18 Black Male 1974 05-29-2020
Dixon, James Illinois Cook 1976 1976 Assault Term of Years 1 year 0 22 Black Male 1976 05-29-2020
Evans, Will Illinois Pulaski 1912 1932 Sexual Assault Term of Years 99 years 20 Black Male 1932
Fowler, Walter Illinois Cook 1937 1953 Murder Term of Years 99 years 12 19 Black Male 1948
Garrett, Sammie Illinois Cook 1970 1976 Murder Term of Years 20 to 40 years 5 21 Black Male 1975
Lindsey, Lloyd Illinois Cook 1975 1979 Murder Term of Years 40 to 80 years 4 17 Black Male 1979
Montgomery, James Illinois Lake 1924 1949 Sexual Assault Life 26 30 Black Male 1949
Napue, Henry Illinois Cook 1940 1960 Murder Term of Years 199 years 20 23 Black Male 1960
Pugh, Earl Howard Illinois Cook 1937 1953 Murder Life 16 19 Black Male 1953
Tillis, Darby Illinois Cook 1979 1987 Murder Death 7 36 Black Male 1987
Walden, Oscar Jr. Illinois Cook 1952 1978 Sexual Assault Term of Years 75 years 13 20 Black Male 1965 03-30-2020