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
Brooks, Riley Maryland Anne Arundel 1966 1973 Murder Life 7 46 Black Male 1973 02-16-2021
Butler, Louise Alabama Lowndes 1928 1928 Murder Life 0 Black Female 1928
Chalk, Edward Maryland Baltimore 1936 1936 Assault Not Sentenced 0 21 Don't Know Male 1936
Estes, Cornell Avery Maryland Baltimore 1979 1983 Murder Term of Years 20 years 4 15 Black Male 1983
Giles, James Maryland Montgomery 1961 1967 Sexual Assault Death 6 20 Black Male 1967
Giles, John Maryland Montgomery 1961 1967 Sexual Assault Death 6 22 Black Male 1967
Johnson, Joseph Maryland Anne Arundel 1962 1968 Sexual Assault Death 5 Black Male 1968
Jordan, William E. Alabama Geneva 1934 1934 Murder Term of Years 25 years 1 65 Don't Know Male 1934 07-16-2019
Kimball, Edward Maryland Baltimore 1926 1927 Robbery Not Sentenced 0 47 White Male 1927
Staten, Cleo Alabama Marshall 1920 1927 Murder Life 6 Black Male 1927
Vass, Leslie Maryland Baltimore City 1975 1986 Robbery Term of Years 20 years 11 17 Black Male 1986
Ward, William Alabama Tuscaloosa 1975 1977 Manslaughter Term of Years 10 years 1 21 Black Male 1977
Yelder, George Alabama Lowndes 1928 1928 Murder Life 0 55 Black Male 1928