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: 12
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
Clark, Donald Iowa Johnson 2010 2016 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 25 years 6 35 White Male 2015 2016 08-31-2016 Perjury or False Accusation, Inadequate Legal Defense CV, NC, SA Yes No
Cox, Terry Sr. Iowa Woodbury 1997 2001 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 25 years 4 27 White Male 1999 2001 07-19-2012 Perjury or False Accusation CV, NC, SA Yes No
DeSimone, David Iowa Clinton 2005 2012 Sexual Assault Term of Years 15 years 7 45 White Male 2012 12-30-2013 Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct CV, NC, SA No PR, WH, NW, KP, WT No
Engberg-Lehmer, Teresa Iowa Pottawattamie 1997 1998 Manslaughter Term of Years 15 years 1 24 White Female 1998 07-29-2012 False or Misleading Forensic Evidence CV, F, H, NC, P, SBS No No
Esse, Eric Iowa Cerro Gordo 2003 2006 Murder Life without parole 3 33 White Male 2006 07-18-2013 False Confession, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Inadequate Legal Defense H No No
Leckington, Mark Iowa Scott 2004 2008 Other Nonviolent Felony Term of Years 20 years 1 38 White Male 2005 11-07-2022 CV No No
Lehmer, Joel Iowa Pottawattamie 1997 1998 Manslaughter Term of Years 15 years 1 32 White Male 1998 07-29-2012 False or Misleading Forensic Evidence CV, H, NC, P, SBS No No
Rhoades, Nick Iowa Black Hawk 2009 2014 Other Violent Felony Term of Years 25 years 0 33 White Male 2009 10-09-2014 Inadequate Legal Defense NC, P No No
Smith, Tammy Iowa Humboldt 2007 2011 Child Abuse Term of Years 10 years 4 32 White Female 2011 01-23-2014 Inadequate Legal Defense, False or Misleading Forensic Evidence CV, F, NC No No
Tracy, Ronald Iowa Jackson 1989 1992 Sexual Assault Term of Years 10 years 2 37 White Male 1992 1992 08-01-2019 False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense CV, NC, SA Yes PR, CW, WT No
Weaver, Mary Iowa Marshall 1994 1997 Murder Life without parole 2 41 White Female 1996 07-29-2012 False or Misleading Forensic Evidence, Perjury or False Accusation CV, F, H, NC, SBS No No
Weldon, Kyle Iowa Polk 2015 2017 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 31 days 0 21 White Male 2015 01-27-2017 Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct M, NC, P No OF, WH, NW No