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
Bailey, Robert Ballard West Virginia Kanawha 1950 1966 Murder Death 11 35 White Male 1960
Boyd, Payne West Virginia Mercer 1925 1925 Murder Life 1 Black Male 1925
Hobbs, Gregory New Mexico Chaves 2013 2023 Manslaughter Term of Years 7 years 1 22 Hispanic Male 2014 09-22-2023
Holdren, Larry West Virginia Kanawha 1984 2000 Sexual Assault Term of Years 30 to 60 years 15 27 White Male 1999 08-29-2011
Howell, Frank West Virginia Marshall 1929 1931 Robbery Term of Years 15 years 1 28 White Male 1931
Martinez, Benny New Mexico Eddy 1998 2001 Murder Term of Years 20 years 3 42 Hispanic Male 2001 02-28-2017
Mercer, Ellen New Mexico Dona Ana 2002 2006 Fraud Probation 0 46 White Female 2002 11-11-2019
Thomas, Marvin West Virginia Wood 1987 1993 Murder Life 6 20 White Male 1993 04-10-2013