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
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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
Chambers, Leon Mississippi Wilkinson 1970 1973 Murder Life 2 Black Male 1973
Forbes, Douglas Tennessee Washington 1975 1980 Sexual Assault Term of Years 50 years 5 34 White Male 1980
McElwrath, John Tennessee Weakley 1903 1915 Murder Death 12 Black Male 1915
Purvis, Will Mississippi Marion 1893 1898 Murder Death 5 19 White Male 1898
Sherman, David Tennessee McMinn 1907 1911 Murder Death 3 Black Male 1911
Walker, Moses Mississippi Lauderdale 1907 1912 Attempted Murder Term of Years 10 years 5 Black Male 1912
Wilks, Calvin Mississippi Hinds 1981 1984 Murder Life 4 21 Don't Know Male 1984