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: 16
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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
Briggs, Joseph Illinois Cook 1905 1906 Murder Death 1 White Male 1906 04-03-2023
Fischer, Marshall Illinois Cook 1942 1942 Robbery Life 0 21 White Male 1942
Flood, Floyd Illinois St. Clair 1924 1926 Robbery Term of Years 10 years to life 1 24 White Male 1926
Fowler, Walter Illinois Cook 1937 1953 Murder Term of Years 99 years 12 19 Black Male 1948
Garrett, Sammie Illinois Cook 1970 1976 Murder Term of Years 20 to 40 years 5 21 Black Male 1975
Harling, Harry Illinois Cook 1973 1976 Manslaughter Term of Years 3 to 9 years 2 31 White Male 1975 04-19-2021
Howell, Everett Illinois Adams 1928 1930 Robbery Term of Years 1 year to life 2 White Male 1930
Lettrich, George Illinois Cook 1951 1953 Murder Death 2 33 White Male 1953
Long, James Illinois Cook 1934 1934 Robbery Term of Years 1 to Life 0 22 White Male 1934
McDonald, Wilbur Illinois Cook 1971 1973 Murder Term of Years 100 to 150 years 2 31 White Male 1973
Metegrano, Pat Illinois Cook 1942 1942 Robbery Term of Years 1 to 5 years 0 25 White Male 1942
Olson, Henry Illinois Winnebago 1928 1928 Murder Term of Years Life 0 26 Don't Know Male 1928
Pugh, Earl Howard Illinois Cook 1937 1953 Murder Life 16 19 Black Male 1953
Sabin, Theodore Illinois Winnebago 1957 1957 Robbery Unknown 0 24 Don't Know Male 1957 04-27-2021
Synon, Michael J. Illinois Cook 1900 1901 Murder Death 1 55 White Male 1901
Walden, Oscar Jr. Illinois Cook 1952 1978 Sexual Assault Term of Years 75 years 13 20 Black Male 1965 03-30-2020