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
Burrows, Joseph Illinois Iroquois 1989 1996 Murder Death 5 35 White Male 1992 1994 08-29-2011
Fields, Nathson Edgar Illinois Cook 1986 2009 Murder Death 17 29 Black Male DK 2003 08-29-2011
Jimerson, Verneal Illinois Cook 1985 1996 Murder Death 10 25 Black Male 1994 1996 08-29-2011
Melock, Robert Illinois Lake 1989 2024 Murder Death 35 22 White Male 2024 01-02-2025
Mulero, Marilyn Illinois Cook 1993 2022 Murder Death 27 21 Hispanic Female 2017 2020 08-22-2022
Patterson, Aaron Illinois Cook 1989 2003 Murder Death 13 21 Black Male 1999 2003 08-29-2011
Steidl, Gordon Illinois Edgar 1987 2004 Murder Death 17 35 White Male 1988 2004 08-29-2011
Williams, Dennis Illinois Cook 1978 1996 Murder Death 18 21 Black Male 1994 1996 08-29-2011