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: 11
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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
Cox, Teresa Lynne California Kern 1985 2000 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 10 years 5 17 White Female DK 1990 08-29-2011
Dill, Grace California Kern 1985 1991 Child Sex Abuse Life 5 50 White Female 1989 1990 08-29-2011
Dorotik, Jane California San Diego 2001 2022 Murder Term of Years 25 to life 19 53 White Female 2020 07-04-2022
Forsythe, Colleen Dill California Kern 1985 1991 Child Sex Abuse Life 5 26 White Female 1989 1990 08-29-2011
Killian, Gloria California Sacramento 1986 2002 Murder Term of Years 32 to Life 16 35 White Female 2000 2002 08-29-2011
Kniffen, Brenda California Kern 1984 1996 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 20 to 22 years and 4 months 12 29 White Female 1991 1996 08-29-2011
Mellen, Susan California Los Angeles 1998 2014 Murder Life without parole 16 42 White Female 2014 10-10-2014
Miller, Gina California Kern 1985 1991 Child Sex Abuse Life 5 25 White Female 1989 1990 08-29-2011
Pitts, Marcella California Kern 1985 1991 Child Sex Abuse Life 5 29 White Female 1989 1990 08-29-2011
Richardson, Julie California San Diego 1999 2001 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 1 year 1 44 White Female 2000 01-26-2014
Taylor, Ruth California Kern 1985 2001 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 6 years 3 31 White Female DK 1988 08-29-2011