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: 311
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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
Williams, Jimmy Ohio Summit 1991 2001 Child Sex Abuse Life 10 20 Black Male 2001 2001 08-29-2011
Williams, Joe Sidney Jr. Texas McLennan 1987 1993 Murder Life 6 19 Black Male 1993 08-29-2011
Williams, Michael Louisiana Jefferson 1997 2011 Murder Life 14 31 Black Male 2009 2011 06-18-2012
Williams, Thomas Wayne Texas Dallas 1998 2000 Drug Possession or Sale Life 2 38 Black Male 2000 08-29-2011
Williams, Willie Florida Duval 1976 2024 Attempted Murder Life 44 30 Black Male 2020 01-09-2024
Willis, Cedric Mississippi Hinds 1997 2006 Murder Life 9 19 Black Male 2006 08-29-2011
Willis, John Illinois Cook 1993 1999 Sexual Assault Life 6 42 Black Male 1999 08-29-2011
Woodard, James Lee Texas Dallas 1981 2008 Murder Life 27 26 Black Male DK 2008 08-29-2011
Wrice, Stanley Illinois Cook 1983 2013 Sexual Assault Life 31 28 Black Male 2011 2013 12-12-2013
Wright, Isaac Jr. New Jersey Somerset 1991 1998 Drug Possession or Sale Life 6 28 Black Male 1996 1996 05-10-2023
Yelder, George Alabama Lowndes 1928 1928 Murder Life 0 55 Black Male 1928