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: 4
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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
Celestino, Juan Ohio Sandusky 1991 1995 Child Sex Abuse Life 2 41 Hispanic Male 1993 03-11-2013 Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence CV, NC, PH, SA No PR, CW, NW, WT No
Costilla, Louis Jr. Ohio Lucas 1993 2025 Murder Term of Years 15 to life 27 20 Hispanic Male 2016 2020 01-14-2025 False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct CDC, H, IO Yes PR, OF, WH, NW, WT Yes
Vasquez, Ismael Ohio Lucas 1994 2025 Murder Term of Years 15 to life 31 16 Hispanic Male 2016 2024 01-14-2025 False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct CDC, H, IO, JV, P Yes PR, OF, WH, NW, WT Yes
Vasquez, Lorenzo Ohio Lucas 1994 2025 Murder Term of Years 15 to life 21 17 Hispanic Male 2016 2015 01-14-2025 False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct CDC, H, IO, JV, P Yes PR, OF, WH, NW, WT Yes