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: 14
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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
Arnold, William Jr. Tennessee Davidson 2013 2020 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 25 years 7 38 Black Male 2014 2020 09-07-2020
Ballard, Frances Tennessee Shelby 1987 1993 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 5 years 0 54 White Female 1988 03-21-2013
Busby, William Tennessee Lewis 2003 2019 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 20 years 16 28 White Male 2019 12-13-2019
Butler, Robert Tennessee Knox 1977 1995 Sexual Assault Life 16 34 Black Male 1993 12-08-2014
Dunn, Charlie Tennessee Davidson 1988 2022 Murder Life 26 43 Black Male 2015 01-24-2022
Garrett, Paul Shane Tennessee Davidson 2003 2021 Manslaughter Term of Years 15 years 9 26 White Male 2011 09-08-2021
Green, James Tennessee Maury 2006 2008 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 16 years 2 46 Black Male 2008 2008 08-29-2011
House, Paul G. Tennessee Union 1986 2009 Murder Death 22 23 White Male 2008 08-29-2011
McKinney, Lawrence Tennessee Shelby 1978 2009 Sexual Assault Life 100 years 31 22 Black Male 2009 08-29-2011
McMillan, Clark Jerome Tennessee Shelby 1980 2002 Sexual Assault Life 22 22 Black Male 2002 08-29-2011
Mills, Randall Tennessee Marshall 2000 2014 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 20 years 11 43 White Male 2011 04-08-2014
Vann, Gussie Tennessee McMinn 1994 2011 Murder Death 0 40 White Male 1994 03-13-2012
Watkins, Joyce Tennessee Davidson 1988 2022 Murder Life 27 39 Black Female 2015 01-24-2022
Webb, Ricky Tennessee Gibson 1978 2024 Murder Life without parole 46 21 Black Male 2023 2024 11-12-2024