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: 9
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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
Flood, Floyd Illinois St. Clair 1924 1926 Robbery Term of Years 10 years to life 1 24 White Male 1926
Harpstrite, Valentine Illinois St. Clair 1929 1968 Murder Life 20 24 White Male 1949
Harris, Keith Illinois St. Clair 1979 2003 Attempted Murder Term of Years 50 years 22 19 Black Male 2001 08-29-2011
Haynes, Terrence Illinois Kankakee 2000 2019 Murder Term of Years 45 years 18 22 Black Male 2009 2019 06-11-2019
Kitterman, Shane Illinois St. Clair 2013 2018 Sex Offender Registration Probation 0 34 Black Male 2013 03-18-2019
Lawson, Carl Illinois St. Clair 1990 1996 Murder Death 6 23 Black Male 1996 08-29-2011
Nelson, Terry Lee Illinois St. Clair 1989 1994 Murder Term of Years 40 years 0 37 White Male 1990 1989 08-29-2011
Williams, Robert Illinois Kankakee 2017 2021 Assault Term of Years 9 years 3 28 Black Male 2020 12-10-2021
Woidtke, Rodney Illinois St. Clair 1989 2001 Murder Term of Years 45 years 12 27 White Male 2001 08-29-2011