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
Acosta, Luis Santaliz Puerto Rico Mayaguez 2000 2009 Murder Term of Years 148 years 9 34 Hispanic Male 2009 10-10-2012
Cardwell, M. Donald Fed-CT 2000 2000 Tax Evasion/Fraud Not Sentenced 0 63 White Male 2000 02-20-2013
Caro, Jose Puerto Rico Aguadilla 1994 2016 Murder Life 22 27 Hispanic Male 1995 2016 10-13-2016
Morales, Robert Anel Diaz Puerto Rico Humacao 2004 2012 Murder Term of Years 172 years 8 20 Hispanic Male 2012 12-07-2012
Ortiz, Nelson Puerto Rico Aguadilla 1994 2016 Murder Life 22 18 Hispanic Male 1995 2016 10-13-2016
Ruiz, Nelson Puerto Rico Aguadilla 1994 2016 Murder Life 22 20 Hispanic Male 1995 2016 10-13-2016
Vailette, John Fed-CT 2015 2018 Murder Not Sentenced 0 34 White Male 2015 11-15-2018