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: 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
Chavez, Matthew New Mexico Bernalillo 2018 2024 Murder Term of Years 23 years and 6 months 6 26 Hispanic Male 2024 2024 06-12-2024
Clark, Donald Iowa Johnson 2010 2016 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 25 years 6 35 White Male 2015 2016 08-31-2016
Cox, Terry Sr. Iowa Woodbury 1997 2001 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 25 years 4 27 White Male 1999 2001 07-19-2012
Earnest, Ralph New Mexico Eddy 1983 2006 Murder Life 23 34 White Male 2006 2006 10-04-2018
Harrington, Terry Iowa Pottawattamie 1978 2003 Murder Life 25 17 Black Male 1991 2003 08-29-2011
McGhee, Curtis Iowa Pottawattamie 1978 2011 Murder Life 25 17 Black Male 1991 2003 05-29-2013
Smith, William New Mexico Bernalillo 1978 1996 Murder Life 18 24 White Male 1983 1996 12-04-2012
Tracy, Ronald Iowa Jackson 1989 1992 Sexual Assault Term of Years 10 years 2 37 White Male 1992 1992 08-01-2019