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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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Beamon, Melvin Todd Alabama Montgomery 1989 1990 Murder Term of Years 25 years 0 24 Black Male 1989 1989 08-29-2011
Butler, Louise Alabama Lowndes 1928 1928 Murder Life 0 Black Female 1928
Embry, Anthony Alabama Jefferson 1993 1997 Murder Term of Years 20 years 4 23 Black Male 1997 10-24-2013
Gaines, Freddie Lee Alabama Jefferson 1974 1991 Murder Term of Years 30 years 11 22 Black Male 1985 08-29-2011
Hinton, Anthony Alabama Jefferson 1986 2015 Murder Death 29 29 Black Male 2015 04-09-2015
McMillian, Walter Alabama Monroe 1988 1993 Murder Death 5 45 Black Male 1991 1993 08-29-2011
Sealie, Frank Alabama Jefferson 2014 2015 Murder Life without parole 1 23 Black Male 2014 2015 03-17-2015
Staten, Cleo Alabama Marshall 1920 1927 Murder Life 6 Black Male 1927
Yelder, George Alabama Lowndes 1928 1928 Murder Life 0 55 Black Male 1928