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: 8
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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
Gentry, Jacob New Jersey Sussex 2011 2016 Manslaughter Term of Years 30 years 5 27 White Male 2016 11-21-2016
Mervilus, Emmanuel New Jersey Union 2008 2013 Robbery Term of Years 11 years 3 22 Black Male 2011 05-03-2018
Oladapo, Ayodeji New Jersey Union 2004 2009 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 18 years 5 27 Black Male 2009 05-16-2018
Ortiz, Sandra New Jersey Passaic 2001 2003 Murder Not Sentenced 0 30 Hispanic Female 2001 06-25-2013
Puskas, Timothy New Jersey Middlesex 2017 2024 Murder Term of Years 40 years 4 38 White Male 2021 04-02-2024
Ross, Vincent New Jersey Essex 1989 1992 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 15 years 2 21 Black Male 1991 04-08-2021
Simmons, Lawrence New Jersey Passaic 1977 2000 Murder Life 23 19 Black Male 1985 2000 06-07-2013
Spears, Darryl New Jersey Mercer 2014 2018 Weapon Possession or Sale Term of Years 15 years 2 23 Black Male 2017 03-20-2018