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: 15
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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
Ajamu, Kwame Ohio Cuyahoga 1975 2014 Murder Death 27 17 Black Male 2013 2003 11-21-2014
Ayers, David Ohio Cuyahoga 2000 2011 Murder Life without parole 11 42 Black Male 2011 02-21-2012
Baker, Patrick Sr. Ohio Sandusky 2015 2017 Burglary/Unlawful Entry Term of Years 5 years 1 40 White Male 2016 05-20-2020
Bridgeman, Wiley Ohio Cuyahoga 1975 2014 Murder Death 37 20 Black Male 2013 2012 11-21-2014
Dempsey, Jack Ohio Cuyahoga 1996 2007 Arson Term of Years 10 to 25 years 7 33 White Male 2003 02-12-2016
Ellington, Tyrone Ohio Mahoning 1989 1991 Child Sex Abuse Life 3 31 Black Male 1991 1991 12-11-2018
Harris, Anthony Ohio Tuscarawas 1999 2000 Murder Term of Years 7 years 1 12 Black Male 2000 08-29-2011
Jackson, Ricky Ohio Cuyahoga 1975 2014 Murder Death 39 18 Black Male 2013 2014 11-21-2014
Knighten, Willie Jr. Ohio Lucas 1997 2022 Murder Term of Years 18 to Life 12 24 Black Male DK 2009 03-07-2023
McClain, Anthony Ohio Hamilton 1995 2006 Murder Term of Years 18 to life 11 35 Black Male 2006 09-05-2013
Miller, Christopher Ohio Cuyahoga 2002 2018 Sexual Assault Term of Years 40 years 16 24 Black Male 2018 06-29-2018
Sapp, Marcus Ohio Hamilton 2010 2024 Murder Life without parole 13 21 Black Male 2023 06-06-2024
Swalley, Terry Ohio Ashtabula 2010 2015 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 2 years 1 39 White Male 2011 10-18-2018
Williams, Edward Ohio Summit 1997 2015 Assault Probation 0 25 Black Male 1997 04-05-2015
Williams, Jimmy Ohio Summit 1991 2001 Child Sex Abuse Life 10 20 Black Male 2001 2001 08-29-2011