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: 14
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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
Barnes, Lamar Virginia Portsmouth City 2003 2022 Murder Life 18 20 Black Male 2010 2022 01-27-2022
Boyce, David Virginia Newport News City 1991 2013 Murder Life 22 19 White Male 2004 2013 09-24-2013
Bragdon, Anthony District of Columbia 1992 2003 Sexual Assault Term of Years 30 years 10 19 Black Male 2002 08-29-2011
Butler, Dennis District of Columbia 1971 2020 Murder Term of Years 20 to life 21 19 Black Male 1992 08-14-2020
Dewitt, Steven District of Columbia 1992 2006 Murder Term of Years 15 to Life 13 20 Black Male 2004 08-29-2011
Gathers, Gary District of Columbia 1994 2015 Murder Term of Years 36 to life 21 17 Black Male 2011 2015 04-21-2015
Harward, Keith Virginia Newport News City 1983 2016 Murder Life 32 26 White Male 2016 04-15-2016
Hash, Michael Virginia Culpeper 2001 2012 Murder Life without parole 11 15 White Male 2011 2012 08-29-2012
Merritt, Gilbert III Virginia Norfolk City 2001 2024 Murder Term of Years 30 years 20 22 Black Male 2019 2022 04-04-2024
Mitchell, Keith District of Columbia 1994 2015 Murder Term of Years 36 to life 21 18 Black Male 2011 2015 04-21-2015
Morton, Carl District of Columbia 2009 2014 Assault Term of Years 5 years and 2 months 0 Black Male 2009 06-18-2024
Nelson, Derrie District of Columbia 1986 2022 Murder Term of Years 42 to Life 32 Black Male 2018 07-24-2022
Snyder, Walter Virginia Arlington 1986 1993 Sexual Assault Term of Years 45 years 7 20 Black Male 1993 08-29-2011
Wright, Cleveland District of Columbia 1979 2014 Murder Term of Years 20 to Life 27 20 Black Male 2007 02-03-2014