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
Bess, Ben South Carolina Florence 1915 1929 Assault Term of Years 30 years 14 Black Male 1929
Dedmond, Roger Z. South Carolina Union 1967 1968 Manslaughter Term of Years 18 years 0 28 White Male 1968
Donaldson, Elwin Wisconsin Dane 1982 1982 Robbery Not Sentenced 0 27 Black Male 1982 11-02-2022
Harris, L.D. South Carolina Aiken 1947 1957 Murder Death 3 25 Black Male 1949
Hemauer, Francis P. Wisconsin Milwaukee 1972 1981 Attempted Murder Term of Years 60 years 9 45 White Male 1981
James, Tyrone South Carolina Florence 1982 1982 Murder Life 0 24 Black Male 1982
Peterson, Winfred J. South Carolina Florence 1982 1982 Murder Life 0 24 Black Male 1982
Sledge, Norris Wisconsin Milwaukee 1922 1922 Sexual Assault Term of Years 15 years 0 Don't Know Male 1922