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 Using the Registry for Research, 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
Benson, Leon Indiana Marion 1999 2023 Murder Term of Years 60 years 24 22 Black Male 2023 03-21-2023
Hickingbottom, Michael Indiana Miami 2018 2019 Assault Term of Years 6 years 0 38 Black Male 2018 08-01-2019
Hill, James Indiana Lake 1982 2009 Sexual Assault Term of Years 35 years 16 17 Black Male 1998 12-30-2013
Jacobs, Ralph A. Jr. Indiana Henry 1991 1993 Murder Term of Years 8 years 2 30 White Male 1993 08-29-2011
Sims, Mack Indiana Elkhart 1994 2019 Attempted Murder Term of Years 35 years 16 21 Black Male 2011 05-16-2019
Smith, Christopher C. Indiana Henry 1991 1993 Murder Term of Years 38 years 2 32 White Male 1993 08-29-2011
Yates, Michael Indiana Howard 2009 2023 Attempt, Violent Term of Years 20 years 1 25 Black Male 2010 03-07-2023