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: 11
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Date of Release Posting Date
Craig, Alvin Missouri Jefferson 1929 1930 Murder Term of Years 10 years 1 White Male 1930
DeMore, Louis Missouri St. Louis 1934 1934 Murder Life 0 43 White Male 1934
Forbes, Douglas Tennessee Washington 1975 1980 Sexual Assault Term of Years 50 years 5 34 White Male 1980
Hess, Walter Missouri Jefferson 1929 1930 Murder Term of Years 10 years 1 White Male 1930
Jackson, Shea Missouri Jackson 1981 1982 Murder Life 1 25 Black Male 1982 05-26-2020
McElwrath, John Tennessee Weakley 1903 1915 Murder Death 12 Black Male 1915
Oscar, Edward Missouri Jackson 1948 1953 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 99 years 5 60 Black Male 1953
Reynolds, Melvin Lee Missouri Buchanan 1979 1983 Murder Life 4 24 White Male 1983
Sherman, David Tennessee McMinn 1907 1911 Murder Death 3 Black Male 1911
Taff, Maurice Missouri St. Louis 1931 1932 Robbery Term of Years 10 years 1 19 White Male 1932
Williams, Maurice Missouri St. Louis 1984 1984 Robbery Term of Years 25 years 0 30 Black Male 1984 11-23-2020