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: 8
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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
Adams, Cheryl Massachusetts Essex 1989 1993 Theft Probation 0 26 White Female 1989 10-28-2014
Aldrich, Robert Jr. Massachusetts Norfolk 2005 2006 Theft Term of Years 5 to 7 1/2 years 1 41 Black Male 2006 12-31-2016
Brock, Donald Illinois Cook 1989 1989 Theft Not Sentenced 0 Black Male 1989 08-29-2011
Gordon, Kenneth Illinois Cook 2002 2008 Theft Term of Years 9 years 4 40 Black Male 2006 02-11-2016
Jordan, Sam Illinois Cook 2013 2019 Theft Term of Years 6 months 0 57 Black Male 2013 09-26-2019
Lenoir, Thomas Illinois Cook 2017 2022 Theft Term of Years 8 years and 6 months 3 55 Black Male 2021 12-12-2022
Ward, Joseph Massachusetts Suffolk 1895 1896 Theft Term of Years 5 years 1 20 Don't Know Male 1896
Ward, Madeleine Illinois DuPage 2006 2008 Theft Term of Years 6 years and 7 months 2 52 White Female 2008 04-05-2013