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: 9
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Select More Columns:
Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Davis, Andre Illinois Champaign 1981 2012 Murder Life 31 19 Black Male 2012 07-06-2012
Fischer, Marshall Illinois Cook 1942 1942 Robbery Life 0 21 White Male 1942
Harpstrite, Valentine Illinois St. Clair 1929 1968 Murder Life 20 24 White Male 1949
Lucas, Jesse Illinois Wabash 1909 1941 Murder Life 22 23 White Male 1931
Lucas, Margaret Illinois Wabash 1909 1941 Murder Life 0 White Female 1909
Montgomery, James Illinois Lake 1924 1949 Sexual Assault Life 26 30 Black Male 1949
Pugh, Earl Howard Illinois Cook 1937 1953 Murder Life 16 19 Black Male 1953
Taylor, Patrick Illinois Cook 2011 2023 Murder Life 12 37 Black Male DK 2023 10-30-2023
Willis, John Illinois Cook 1993 1999 Sexual Assault Life 6 42 Black Male 1999 08-29-2011