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
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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 Contributing Factors Display Case Characteristics Recantation OM Tags DNA
Chance, John H. Massachusetts Suffolk 1899 1911 Murder Life 12 31 Don't Know Male 1911 Mistaken Witness ID, Perjury or False Accusation No No
Collins, Benjamin Massachusetts Middlesex 1928 1928 Robbery Term of Years 2.5 to 3.5 years 0 48 Don't Know Male 1928 Mistaken Witness ID No No
Fields, John W. Massachusetts Essex 1892 1892 Burglary/Unlawful Entry Term of Years 2.5 years 1 19 Don't Know Male 1892 01-18-2019 No No
McManus, John Massachusetts Suffolk 1911 1912 Robbery Term of Years 3 years 1 Don't Know Male 1912 Perjury or False Accusation No No
Taylor, Harold Massachusetts Suffolk 1927 1927 Robbery Term of Years 4 to 7 years 0 Don't Know Male 1927 Mistaken Witness ID No No
Usher, Cornelius Massachusetts Essex 1902 1904 Burglary/Unlawful Entry Term of Years 3 to 5 years 2 Don't Know Male 1904 No No
Ward, Joseph Massachusetts Suffolk 1895 1896 Theft Term of Years 5 years 1 20 Don't Know Male 1896 Mistaken Witness ID No No