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
Alcox, Joel California Santa Barbara 1987 2016 Murder Term of Years 26 to life 25 22 White Male 2004 2012 05-31-2016
Cruz, Efren California Santa Barbara 1997 2001 Murder Term of Years 41 to Life 4 22 Hispanic Male 2001 07-05-2012
Kirkes, Leonard California Santa Barbara 1950 1953 Murder Term of Years 5 to Life 2 36 White Male 1953
Lind, Frank California Fresno 2002 2005 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 30 to life 3 44 White Male 2005 01-26-2014
Mellory, Jesse California Fresno 1931 1932 Robbery Unknown 0 White Male 1932
Mellory, Sumner California Fresno 1931 1932 Robbery Unknown 0 White Male 1932
Ortiz, Armando Rodriguez California Fresno 2003 2007 Murder Life 0 15 Hispanic Male 2003 08-29-2011
Reno, Ronald California Fresno 1997 2002 Weapon Possession or Sale Term of Years 25 to Life 5 32 White Male 2002 08-29-2011