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: 110
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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
Usher, Cornelius Massachusetts Essex 1902 1904 Burglary/Unlawful Entry Term of Years 3 to 5 years 2 Don't Know Male 1904
Vargas-Cintron, Johnny Massachusetts Middlesex 2011 2013 Drug Possession or Sale Term of Years 7 years 2 34 Hispanic Male 2013 11-08-2013
Velasquez, Eduardo Massachusetts Hampden 1988 2001 Sexual Assault Term of Years 12 to 18 years 13 21 Hispanic Male 2001 08-29-2011
Ward, Joseph Massachusetts Suffolk 1895 1896 Theft Term of Years 5 years 1 20 Don't Know Male 1896
Washburn, Michael Massachusetts Bristol 2002 2003 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 4 years 0 20 White Male 2003 11-17-2017
Waters, Kenneth Massachusetts Middlesex 1983 2001 Murder Life 18 25 White Male 1983 2001 08-29-2011
Watson, James Massachusetts Suffolk 1981 2020 Murder Life without parole 39 20 Black Male 2001 2020 11-25-2020
Weichel, Fred Massachusetts Norfolk 1981 2017 Murder Life without parole 36 28 White Male 2017 08-10-2017
Wilhite, Charles Massachusetts Hampden 2010 2013 Murder Life without parole 2 25 Black Male 2011 2013 02-04-2013
Williams, Clarence Massachusetts Suffolk 2002 2020 Murder Life 18 25 Black Male 2004 2020 05-22-2020