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
Clark, Donald Iowa Johnson 2010 2016 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 25 years 6 35 White Male 2015 2016 08-31-2016
Daniels, Elmer Delaware New Castle 1980 2018 Child Sex Abuse Life 39 18 Black Male 2018 12-17-2018
Esse, Eric Iowa Cerro Gordo 2003 2006 Murder Life without parole 3 33 White Male 2006 07-18-2013
McGhee, Curtis Iowa Pottawattamie 1978 2011 Murder Life 25 17 Black Male 1991 2003 05-29-2013
Purnell, Mark Delaware New Castle 2008 2022 Murder Term of Years 43 years 14 16 Black Male 2008 2022 06-06-2022
Rhoades, Nick Iowa Black Hawk 2009 2014 Other Violent Felony Term of Years 25 years 0 33 White Male 2009 10-09-2014
Smith, Tammy Iowa Humboldt 2007 2011 Child Abuse Term of Years 10 years 4 32 White Female 2011 01-23-2014
Tracy, Ronald Iowa Jackson 1989 1992 Sexual Assault Term of Years 10 years 2 37 White Male 1992 1992 08-01-2019