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
Export Data
Select More Columns:
Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Donaldson, Elwin Wisconsin Dane 1982 1982 Robbery Not Sentenced 0 27 Black Male 1982 11-02-2022
Geter, Lenell Texas Dallas 1982 1984 Robbery Life 1 25 Black Male 1983
O'Neil, Leonard Ohio Portage 1971 1975 Robbery Term of Years 10 to 25 years 3 19 Black Male 1975 02-28-2019
Shaw, Johnnie Lee Michigan Wayne 1960 1961 Robbery Term of Years 5 to 15 years 1 23 Black Male 1961
Thornton, Lonzo Ohio Butler 1927 1928 Robbery Term of Years 10 to 25 years 1 Black Male 1928
Vass, Leslie Maryland Baltimore City 1975 1986 Robbery Term of Years 20 years 11 17 Black Male 1986
Williams, Maurice Missouri St. Louis 1984 1984 Robbery Term of Years 25 years 0 30 Black Male 1984 11-23-2020