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: 7
Export Data
Select More Columns:
Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date Contributing Factors Display Case Characteristics Recantation OM Tags DNA
Ala, Kadafi New York Kings 2001 2021 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 21 years 18 20 Black Male 2018 07-16-2021 False Confession, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense CIU No OF, WH, NW, PJ No
Brown, Charles Ohio Lorain 2018 2021 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 1 year and 2 months 1 58 Black Male 2019 04-19-2022 CV, NC, SA No No
Hadaway, Sammy Wisconsin Milwaukee 1996 2018 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 5 years 3 20 Black Male 1999 10-09-2018 False Confession, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct CDC, CV, IO, P, SA No OF, NW, INT Yes
Morman, Bobbie Jr. Virginia Norfolk City 1993 2021 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 48 years 22 18 Black Male 2016 2016 08-16-2021 Mistaken Witness ID, Inadequate Legal Defense IO Yes No
Owens, Phillip New York Monroe 2013 2018 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 11 to 13 years 5 26 Black Male 2018 09-20-2022 Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense CV, NC No PR, WH, NW, KP, WT, PL No
Watts, Oneal New York Bronx 2015 2020 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 6 years 3 20 Black Male 2018 02-16-2021 Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation CDC, CIU, P No Yes
Yates, Michael Indiana Howard 2009 2023 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 20 years 1 25 Black Male 2010 03-07-2023 Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense CDC No PR, OF, WH, NW, KP, WT No