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: 9
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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
Beckett, Dale Ohio Lucas 1997 2003 Murder Term of Years 15 to Life 7 33 Black Male 1997 2003 02-17-2015
Elkins, Clarence Ohio Summit 1999 2005 Murder Term of Years 55 to Life 7 35 White Male 2002 2005 08-29-2011
Ellington, Tyrone Ohio Mahoning 1989 1991 Child Sex Abuse Life 3 31 Black Male 1991 1991 12-11-2018
Johnson, Eugene Ohio Cuyahoga 1996 2016 Murder Term of Years 18 to life 19 17 Black Male 2004 2015 08-17-2016
Knighten, Willie Jr. Ohio Lucas 1997 2022 Murder Term of Years 18 to Life 12 24 Black Male DK 2009 03-07-2023
Sailor, Ru-El Ohio Cuyahoga 2003 2018 Murder Term of Years 25 to life 15 22 Black Male 2017 2018 04-06-2018
Seiber, George Ohio Cuyahoga 1987 1999 Assault Term of Years 10 to 25 years 12 41 White Male 1991 1999 12-04-2012
Smith, Ralph Ohio Fairfield 2000 2021 Kidnapping Term of Years 67 years 21 24 Black Male 2019 2021 10-14-2021
Williams, Jimmy Ohio Summit 1991 2001 Child Sex Abuse Life 10 20 Black Male 2001 2001 08-29-2011