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: 10
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Briggs, Joseph Illinois Cook 1905 1906 Murder Death 1 White Male 1906 04-03-2023
Cobb, Perry Illinois Cook 1979 1987 Murder Death 7 37 Black Male 1987
Geralds, Hubert Jr. Illinois Cook 1997 2000 Murder Death 2 30 Black Male 2000 08-31-2011
Lawson, Carl Illinois St. Clair 1990 1996 Murder Death 6 23 Black Male 1996 08-29-2011
Lettrich, George Illinois Cook 1951 1953 Murder Death 2 33 White Male 1953
Porter, Anthony Illinois Cook 1983 1999 Murder Death 15 27 Black Male 1998 1999 08-29-2011
Smith, Steven Illinois Cook 1986 1999 Murder Death 13 37 Black Male 1999 09-03-2012
Synon, Michael J. Illinois Cook 1900 1901 Murder Death 1 55 White Male 1901
Tillis, Darby Illinois Cook 1979 1987 Murder Death 7 36 Black Male 1987
Zajicek, Herman Illinois Cook 1907 1917 Murder Death 9 39 White Male 1917