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: 12
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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
Clark, Darrell Georgia Floyd 1998 2022 Murder Life 25 17 White Male 2021 2022 01-11-2023
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
Nelson, Gary Georgia Chatham 1980 1991 Murder Death 11 29 Black Male 1991 08-29-2011
Roesser, Christopher Georgia Gwinnett 2008 2013 Murder Life 6 25 White Male 2013 11-21-2013
Snyder, Walter Virginia Arlington 1986 1993 Sexual Assault Term of Years 45 years 7 20 Black Male 1993 08-29-2011
Talley, Terry Georgia Troup 1981 2021 Sexual Assault Life 39 23 Black Male 2021 04-04-2021
Watkins, Joseph Georgia Floyd 2001 2023 Murder Life 22 19 White Male 2003 2023 10-17-2023
Williams, James Georgia Chatham 1982 1989 Murder Life 3 50 White Male 1985 06-22-2013