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: 8
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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
Bell, Craig Virginia City of Virginia Beach 1987 1987 Murder Term of Years 20 years 0 24 White Male 1987 09-25-2018
Butler, Louise Alabama Lowndes 1928 1928 Murder Life 0 Black Female 1928
Harper, William Virginia Norfolk 1931 1931 Sexual Assault Death 0 22 Black Male 1931
Jordan, William E. Alabama Geneva 1934 1934 Murder Term of Years 25 years 1 65 Don't Know Male 1934 07-16-2019
Phillips, Richard Virginia City of Hampton 1900 1930 Murder Death 31 Black Male 1930
Staten, Cleo Alabama Marshall 1920 1927 Murder Life 6 Black Male 1927
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