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List of wrongful convictions in the United States

Updated: 5/20/2026, 7:03:27 PM Wikipedia source

This list of wrongful convictions in the United States includes people who have been legally exonerated, including people whose convictions have been overturned or vacated, and who have not been retried because the charges were dismissed by the states. It also includes some historic cases of people who have not been formally exonerated (by a formal process such as has existed in the United States since the mid-20th century) but who historians believe are factually innocent. Generally, this means that research by historians has revealed original conditions of bias or extrajudicial actions that related to their convictions and/or executions. Crime descriptions marked with an asterisk (*) indicate that the events were later determined not to be criminal acts. People who were wrongfully accused are sometimes never released. By June 2025, a total of 3,696 exonerations were mentioned in the National Registry of Exonerations. The total time these exonerated people spent in prison adds up to 34,072 years. Detailed data from 1989 regarding every known exoneration in the United States is listed. Data prior to 1989, however, is limited.

Tables

· Before 1900
1736
1736
Date of crime
1736
Defendants
Andrew
Crime
Rape*
Location
Caroline County, Virginia
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
No
In 1736, Andrew, a slave belonging to Richard Bradford, and a married white indentured servant named Elizabeth Williams were convicted of adultery for having consensual sex in Caroline County. Unsatisfied with the verdict, some successfully lobbied for Andrew to be prosecuted for rape. Andrew was convicted of rape, sentenced to death, and executed
In 1736, Andrew, a slave belonging to Richard Bradford, and a married white indentured servant named Elizabeth Williams were convicted of adultery for having consensual sex in Caroline County. Unsatisfied with the verdict, some successfully lobbied for Andrew to be prosecuted for rape. Andrew was convicted of rape, sentenced to death, and executed
Date of crime
In 1736, Andrew, a slave belonging to Richard Bradford, and a married white indentured servant named Elizabeth Williams were convicted of adultery for having consensual sex in Caroline County. Unsatisfied with the verdict, some successfully lobbied for Andrew to be prosecuted for rape. Andrew was convicted of rape, sentenced to death, and executed
November 12, 1805
November 12, 1805
Date of crime
November 12, 1805
Defendants
Dominic Daley and James Halligan
Crime
Murder
Location
Wilbraham, Massachusetts
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
No
In November 1805, the body of a young farmer, Marcus Lyon, was found on the open road near the town of Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Irish immigrants Dominic Daley and James Halligan were traveling in the area, heading for New Haven, Connecticut, when they were arrested for the murder on November 12, 1805. Their captor received a reward of $500. They h
In November 1805, the body of a young farmer, Marcus Lyon, was found on the open road near the town of Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Irish immigrants Dominic Daley and James Halligan were traveling in the area, heading for New Haven, Connecticut, when they were arrested for the murder on November 12, 1805. Their captor received a reward of $500. They h
Date of crime
In November 1805, the body of a young farmer, Marcus Lyon, was found on the open road near the town of Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Irish immigrants Dominic Daley and James Halligan were traveling in the area, heading for New Haven, Connecticut, when they were arrested for the murder on November 12, 1805. Their captor received a reward of $500. They h
1812
1812
Date of crime
1812
Defendants
Jesse Boorn and Stephen Boorn
Crime
Murder*
Location
Manchester, Vermont
Sentence
Death (commuted to life imprisonment; Stephen)
Time served
Less than 1 year
Legally exonerated
Yes
In 1812, farmer Russell Colvin disappeared from Manchester, Vermont. Colvin and his brothers-in-law, Jesse and Stephen Boorn, had a tense relationship. Many suspected the Boorn brothers of murdering Colvin, but no evidence emerged until 1819. That year, their uncle Amos claimed Colvin's ghost had appeared to him and stated he had been murdered. The
In 1812, farmer Russell Colvin disappeared from Manchester, Vermont. Colvin and his brothers-in-law, Jesse and Stephen Boorn, had a tense relationship. Many suspected the Boorn brothers of murdering Colvin, but no evidence emerged until 1819. That year, their uncle Amos claimed Colvin's ghost had appeared to him and stated he had been murdered. The
Date of crime
In 1812, farmer Russell Colvin disappeared from Manchester, Vermont. Colvin and his brothers-in-law, Jesse and Stephen Boorn, had a tense relationship. Many suspected the Boorn brothers of murdering Colvin, but no evidence emerged until 1819. That year, their uncle Amos claimed Colvin's ghost had appeared to him and stated he had been murdered. The
June 23, 1855
June 23, 1855
Date of crime
June 23, 1855
Defendants
Celia
Crime
Murder*
Location
Missouri
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
Yes
Celia was a slave who was executed in Missouri in 1855 for the murder of her master, whom she killed in self-defense after he tried to rape her. Celia's master had been raping her on a regular basis for years, after he tried to rape her again. The judge denied the defense's jury instruction to acquit based on the sexual assault and denied the jury
Celia was a slave who was executed in Missouri in 1855 for the murder of her master, whom she killed in self-defense after he tried to rape her. Celia's master had been raping her on a regular basis for years, after he tried to rape her again. The judge denied the defense's jury instruction to acquit based on the sexual assault and denied the jury
Date of crime
Celia was a slave who was executed in Missouri in 1855 for the murder of her master, whom she killed in self-defense after he tried to rape her. Celia's master had been raping her on a regular basis for years, after he tried to rape her again. The judge denied the defense's jury instruction to acquit based on the sexual assault and denied the jury
October 31, 1855
October 31, 1855
Date of crime
October 31, 1855
Defendants
Chief Leschi
Crime
Murder*
Location
Olympia, Washington Territory
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
No
Leschi was a Nisqually chief when the United States government attempted to relocate the tribe to reservations. Leschi protested the move, claiming the reservation designated for the Nisqually was a rocky piece of high ground unsuited to growing food and cut off from access to the river that provided salmon, the mainstay of their livelihood. Leschi
Leschi was a Nisqually chief when the United States government attempted to relocate the tribe to reservations. Leschi protested the move, claiming the reservation designated for the Nisqually was a rocky piece of high ground unsuited to growing food and cut off from access to the river that provided salmon, the mainstay of their livelihood. Leschi
Date of crime
Leschi was a Nisqually chief when the United States government attempted to relocate the tribe to reservations. Leschi protested the move, claiming the reservation designated for the Nisqually was a rocky piece of high ground unsuited to growing food and cut off from access to the river that provided salmon, the mainstay of their livelihood. Leschi
1862
1862
Date of crime
1862
Defendants
Jack Kehoe
Crime
Murder
Location
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
Yes
Kehoe was one of the alleged leaders of the Molly Maguires, a secret society which fought against mine bosses and enacted its own brand of vigilante justice in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania. The Mollies were exposed after an infiltration by Pinkerton detective James McParland, whose testimony resulted in Kehoe's conviction on attempted murd
Kehoe was one of the alleged leaders of the Molly Maguires, a secret society which fought against mine bosses and enacted its own brand of vigilante justice in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania. The Mollies were exposed after an infiltration by Pinkerton detective James McParland, whose testimony resulted in Kehoe's conviction on attempted murd
Date of crime
Kehoe was one of the alleged leaders of the Molly Maguires, a secret society which fought against mine bosses and enacted its own brand of vigilante justice in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania. The Mollies were exposed after an infiltration by Pinkerton detective James McParland, whose testimony resulted in Kehoe's conviction on attempted murd
1863
1863
Date of crime
1863
Defendants
Chipita Rodriguez
Crime
Murder
Location
San Patricio, Texas
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
Yes
Rodriguez was convicted of murdering John Savage with an axe and executed. She was posthumously exonerated in 1985.
Rodriguez was convicted of murdering John Savage with an axe and executed. She was posthumously exonerated in 1985.
Date of crime
Rodriguez was convicted of murdering John Savage with an axe and executed. She was posthumously exonerated in 1985.
May 5, 1872
May 5, 1872
Date of crime
May 5, 1872
Defendants
William Jackson Marion
Crime
Murder*
Location
Liberty, Nebraska
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
Yes
Marion was convicted of killing John Cameron, who left with him to work on the railroad in 1872. In 1891, four years after Marion's execution by hanging, Cameron turned up alive, explaining that he had vanished by his own volition. He had spent twenty years traveling across Mexico, Alaska, and Colorado. On March 25, 1987, Marion was pardoned posthu
Marion was convicted of killing John Cameron, who left with him to work on the railroad in 1872. In 1891, four years after Marion's execution by hanging, Cameron turned up alive, explaining that he had vanished by his own volition. He had spent twenty years traveling across Mexico, Alaska, and Colorado. On March 25, 1987, Marion was pardoned posthu
Date of crime
Marion was convicted of killing John Cameron, who left with him to work on the railroad in 1872. In 1891, four years after Marion's execution by hanging, Cameron turned up alive, explaining that he had vanished by his own volition. He had spent twenty years traveling across Mexico, Alaska, and Colorado. On March 25, 1987, Marion was pardoned posthu
September 12, 1880
September 12, 1880
Date of crime
September 12, 1880
Defendants
Thomas Egan
Crime
Murder
Location
Minnehaha County, South Dakota
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
Yes
Thomas Egan convicted of murdering his wife, Mary Egan, and executed in 1882. In 1927, his stepdaughter, Catherine Egan, made a deathbed confession to the murder. She admitted to killing her stepmother and that she and had her husband had then conspired to frame Egan. Thomas Egan was posthumously pardoned in 1993.
Thomas Egan convicted of murdering his wife, Mary Egan, and executed in 1882. In 1927, his stepdaughter, Catherine Egan, made a deathbed confession to the murder. She admitted to killing her stepmother and that she and had her husband had then conspired to frame Egan. Thomas Egan was posthumously pardoned in 1993.
Date of crime
Thomas Egan convicted of murdering his wife, Mary Egan, and executed in 1882. In 1927, his stepdaughter, Catherine Egan, made a deathbed confession to the murder. She admitted to killing her stepmother and that she and had her husband had then conspired to frame Egan. Thomas Egan was posthumously pardoned in 1993.
December 12, 1885
December 12, 1885
Date of crime
December 12, 1885
Defendants
James "Jimmy" Phillips
Crime
Murder
Location
Austin, Texas
Sentence
7 years
Time served
6 months
Legally exonerated
Yes
Phillips' wife Eula was murdered with an axe outside her home on 12 December 1885. He was accused of her murder based on allegations that he was abusive towards her and that she had been having an affair. Phillips was convicted in spite of his footprints not matching those left at the scene by Eula's killer, but he was released six months later aft
Phillips' wife Eula was murdered with an axe outside her home on 12 December 1885. He was accused of her murder based on allegations that he was abusive towards her and that she had been having an affair. Phillips was convicted in spite of his footprints not matching those left at the scene by Eula's killer, but he was released six months later aft
Date of crime
Phillips' wife Eula was murdered with an axe outside her home on 12 December 1885. He was accused of her murder based on allegations that he was abusive towards her and that she had been having an affair. Phillips was convicted in spite of his footprints not matching those left at the scene by Eula's killer, but he was released six months later aft
May 4, 1886
May 4, 1886
Date of crime
May 4, 1886
Defendants
Oscar Neebe, Michael Schwab, and Samuel Fielden
Crime
Conspiracy to commit murder
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Sentence
15 years
Time served
7 years
Legally exonerated
Yes
Neebe was not present at the Haymarket Square on the day of the bombing, and stated that he was not aware it had happened until he was told about it the following day. He was arrested because of his association with the defendants. At trial, the evidence against Neebe was particularly weak, mostly based on his political views, his having attended s
Neebe was not present at the Haymarket Square on the day of the bombing, and stated that he was not aware it had happened until he was told about it the following day. He was arrested because of his association with the defendants. At trial, the evidence against Neebe was particularly weak, mostly based on his political views, his having attended s
Date of crime
Neebe was not present at the Haymarket Square on the day of the bombing, and stated that he was not aware it had happened until he was told about it the following day. He was arrested because of his association with the defendants. At trial, the evidence against Neebe was particularly weak, mostly based on his political views, his having attended s
October 12, 1888
October 12, 1888
Date of crime
October 12, 1888
Defendants
John D. Cochran
Crime
Murder*
Location
Wabash County, Illinois
Sentence
Life imprisonment
Time served
16 months
Legally exonerated
Yes
On October 16, 1888, John Buchenberger was found unconscious in a shed, shot once in the head. His revolver, with one empty cartridge chamber, was found nearby. He died from his injuries three days later. John Cochran was accused of his murder. The chief prosecution witness against him was a horse thief named Charles Reese, who claimed that Cochran
On October 16, 1888, John Buchenberger was found unconscious in a shed, shot once in the head. His revolver, with one empty cartridge chamber, was found nearby. He died from his injuries three days later. John Cochran was accused of his murder. The chief prosecution witness against him was a horse thief named Charles Reese, who claimed that Cochran
Date of crime
On October 16, 1888, John Buchenberger was found unconscious in a shed, shot once in the head. His revolver, with one empty cartridge chamber, was found nearby. He died from his injuries three days later. John Cochran was accused of his murder. The chief prosecution witness against him was a horse thief named Charles Reese, who claimed that Cochran
1893
1893
Date of crime
1893
Defendants
Will Purvis
Crime
Murder
Location
Marion County, Mississippi
Sentence
Death (commuted to life imprisonment)
Time served
Five years
Legally exonerated
Yes
Will Buckley, a member of a white supremacist militia known as the Whitecaps, was gunned down in an ambush over a dispute with his fellow Whitecaps. Bloodhounds led police from the crime scene to the home of Will Purvis, a known Whitecap who was identified by Buckley's brother as one of the gunmen. Purvis was sentenced to death in spite of witnesse
Will Buckley, a member of a white supremacist militia known as the Whitecaps, was gunned down in an ambush over a dispute with his fellow Whitecaps. Bloodhounds led police from the crime scene to the home of Will Purvis, a known Whitecap who was identified by Buckley's brother as one of the gunmen. Purvis was sentenced to death in spite of witnesse
Date of crime
Will Buckley, a member of a white supremacist militia known as the Whitecaps, was gunned down in an ambush over a dispute with his fellow Whitecaps. Bloodhounds led police from the crime scene to the home of Will Purvis, a known Whitecap who was identified by Buckley's brother as one of the gunmen. Purvis was sentenced to death in spite of witnesse
Aug 9, 1894
Aug 9, 1894
Date of crime
Aug 9, 1894
Defendants
George Washington Davis
Crime
Sabotage of Locomotive 213
Location
Lincoln, Nebraska
Sentence
Life imprisonment
Time served
10 years
Legally exonerated
Yes
Davis was convicted of causing the 1894 Rock Island railroad wreck, which killed eleven of thirty-three people on a passenger train traveling from Fairbury, Nebraska, to Lincoln. Some survivors claimed to have seen him holding a lantern at the site of the crash; however, there was no evidence that Davis had anything to do with the incident. In 1905
Davis was convicted of causing the 1894 Rock Island railroad wreck, which killed eleven of thirty-three people on a passenger train traveling from Fairbury, Nebraska, to Lincoln. Some survivors claimed to have seen him holding a lantern at the site of the crash; however, there was no evidence that Davis had anything to do with the incident. In 1905
Date of crime
Davis was convicted of causing the 1894 Rock Island railroad wreck, which killed eleven of thirty-three people on a passenger train traveling from Fairbury, Nebraska, to Lincoln. Some survivors claimed to have seen him holding a lantern at the site of the crash; however, there was no evidence that Davis had anything to do with the incident. In 1905
1895
1895
Date of crime
1895
Defendants
Nellie Pope
Crime
Murder
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Sentence
Life imprisonment
Time served
22 years
Legally exonerated
Yes
Dr. Horace Pope was killed in a burglary of his home in 1895. The killer, William Brusseau, claimed that Pope's wife Nellie had orchestrated the crime for a life insurance payment. Both Brusseau and Nellie Pope were given life sentences. Brusseau died while serving his sentence, and confessed on his deathbed that Nellie Pope was not involved in the
Dr. Horace Pope was killed in a burglary of his home in 1895. The killer, William Brusseau, claimed that Pope's wife Nellie had orchestrated the crime for a life insurance payment. Both Brusseau and Nellie Pope were given life sentences. Brusseau died while serving his sentence, and confessed on his deathbed that Nellie Pope was not involved in the
Date of crime
Dr. Horace Pope was killed in a burglary of his home in 1895. The killer, William Brusseau, claimed that Pope's wife Nellie had orchestrated the crime for a life insurance payment. Both Brusseau and Nellie Pope were given life sentences. Brusseau died while serving his sentence, and confessed on his deathbed that Nellie Pope was not involved in the
1896
1896
Date of crime
1896
Defendants
Jack Davis
Crime
Murder
Location
Silver City, Idaho
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
6 years
Legally exonerated
Yes
Davis was convicted of the Deep Creek murders of Daniel Cummings and John Wilson. He was later pardoned following confessions by James Bower and Jeff Gray.
Davis was convicted of the Deep Creek murders of Daniel Cummings and John Wilson. He was later pardoned following confessions by James Bower and Jeff Gray.
Date of crime
Davis was convicted of the Deep Creek murders of Daniel Cummings and John Wilson. He was later pardoned following confessions by James Bower and Jeff Gray.
Date of crime
Defendants
Crime
Location
Sentence
Time served
Legally exonerated
1736
Andrew
Rape*
Caroline County, Virginia
Death by hanging
Executed
No
In 1736, Andrew, a slave belonging to Richard Bradford, and a married white indentured servant named Elizabeth Williams were convicted of adultery for having consensual sex in Caroline County. Unsatisfied with the verdict, some successfully lobbied for Andrew to be prosecuted for rape. Andrew was convicted of rape, sentenced to death, and executed
November 12, 1805
Dominic Daley and James Halligan
Murder
Wilbraham, Massachusetts
Death by hanging
Executed
No
In November 1805, the body of a young farmer, Marcus Lyon, was found on the open road near the town of Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Irish immigrants Dominic Daley and James Halligan were traveling in the area, heading for New Haven, Connecticut, when they were arrested for the murder on November 12, 1805. Their captor received a reward of $500. They h
1812
Jesse Boorn and Stephen Boorn
Murder*
Manchester, Vermont
Death (commuted to life imprisonment; Stephen)
Less than 1 year
Yes
In 1812, farmer Russell Colvin disappeared from Manchester, Vermont. Colvin and his brothers-in-law, Jesse and Stephen Boorn, had a tense relationship. Many suspected the Boorn brothers of murdering Colvin, but no evidence emerged until 1819. That year, their uncle Amos claimed Colvin's ghost had appeared to him and stated he had been murdered. The
June 23, 1855
Celia
Murder*
Missouri
Death by hanging
Executed
Yes
Celia was a slave who was executed in Missouri in 1855 for the murder of her master, whom she killed in self-defense after he tried to rape her. Celia's master had been raping her on a regular basis for years, after he tried to rape her again. The judge denied the defense's jury instruction to acquit based on the sexual assault and denied the jury
October 31, 1855
Chief Leschi
Murder*
Olympia, Washington Territory
Death by hanging
Executed
No
Leschi was a Nisqually chief when the United States government attempted to relocate the tribe to reservations. Leschi protested the move, claiming the reservation designated for the Nisqually was a rocky piece of high ground unsuited to growing food and cut off from access to the river that provided salmon, the mainstay of their livelihood. Leschi
1862
Jack Kehoe
Murder
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
Death by hanging
Executed
Yes
Kehoe was one of the alleged leaders of the Molly Maguires, a secret society which fought against mine bosses and enacted its own brand of vigilante justice in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania. The Mollies were exposed after an infiltration by Pinkerton detective James McParland, whose testimony resulted in Kehoe's conviction on attempted murd
1863
Chipita Rodriguez
Murder
San Patricio, Texas
Death by hanging
Executed
Yes
Rodriguez was convicted of murdering John Savage with an axe and executed. She was posthumously exonerated in 1985.
May 5, 1872
William Jackson Marion
Murder*
Liberty, Nebraska
Death by hanging
Executed
Yes
Marion was convicted of killing John Cameron, who left with him to work on the railroad in 1872. In 1891, four years after Marion's execution by hanging, Cameron turned up alive, explaining that he had vanished by his own volition. He had spent twenty years traveling across Mexico, Alaska, and Colorado. On March 25, 1987, Marion was pardoned posthu
September 12, 1880
Thomas Egan
Murder
Minnehaha County, South Dakota
Death by hanging
Executed
Yes
Thomas Egan convicted of murdering his wife, Mary Egan, and executed in 1882. In 1927, his stepdaughter, Catherine Egan, made a deathbed confession to the murder. She admitted to killing her stepmother and that she and had her husband had then conspired to frame Egan. Thomas Egan was posthumously pardoned in 1993.
December 12, 1885
James "Jimmy" Phillips
Murder
Austin, Texas
7 years
6 months
Yes
Phillips' wife Eula was murdered with an axe outside her home on 12 December 1885. He was accused of her murder based on allegations that he was abusive towards her and that she had been having an affair. Phillips was convicted in spite of his footprints not matching those left at the scene by Eula's killer, but he was released six months later aft
May 4, 1886
Oscar Neebe, Michael Schwab, and Samuel Fielden
Conspiracy to commit murder
Chicago, Illinois
15 years
7 years
Yes
Neebe was not present at the Haymarket Square on the day of the bombing, and stated that he was not aware it had happened until he was told about it the following day. He was arrested because of his association with the defendants. At trial, the evidence against Neebe was particularly weak, mostly based on his political views, his having attended s
October 12, 1888
John D. Cochran
Murder*
Wabash County, Illinois
Life imprisonment
16 months
Yes
On October 16, 1888, John Buchenberger was found unconscious in a shed, shot once in the head. His revolver, with one empty cartridge chamber, was found nearby. He died from his injuries three days later. John Cochran was accused of his murder. The chief prosecution witness against him was a horse thief named Charles Reese, who claimed that Cochran
1893
Will Purvis
Murder
Marion County, Mississippi
Death (commuted to life imprisonment)
Five years
Yes
Will Buckley, a member of a white supremacist militia known as the Whitecaps, was gunned down in an ambush over a dispute with his fellow Whitecaps. Bloodhounds led police from the crime scene to the home of Will Purvis, a known Whitecap who was identified by Buckley's brother as one of the gunmen. Purvis was sentenced to death in spite of witnesse
Aug 9, 1894
George Washington Davis
Sabotage of Locomotive 213
Lincoln, Nebraska
Life imprisonment
10 years
Yes
Davis was convicted of causing the 1894 Rock Island railroad wreck, which killed eleven of thirty-three people on a passenger train traveling from Fairbury, Nebraska, to Lincoln. Some survivors claimed to have seen him holding a lantern at the site of the crash; however, there was no evidence that Davis had anything to do with the incident. In 1905
1895
Nellie Pope
Murder
Detroit, Michigan
Life imprisonment
22 years
Yes
Dr. Horace Pope was killed in a burglary of his home in 1895. The killer, William Brusseau, claimed that Pope's wife Nellie had orchestrated the crime for a life insurance payment. Both Brusseau and Nellie Pope were given life sentences. Brusseau died while serving his sentence, and confessed on his deathbed that Nellie Pope was not involved in the
1896
Jack Davis
Murder
Silver City, Idaho
Death by hanging
6 years
Yes
Davis was convicted of the Deep Creek murders of Daniel Cummings and John Wilson. He was later pardoned following confessions by James Bower and Jeff Gray.
· 1900s
1900
1900
Date of crime
1900
Defendant(s)
Caleb Powers
Crime
Murder
Location
Frankfort, Kentucky
Sentence
Life imprisonment
Time served
8 years
Legally exonerated
Yes
Powers was convicted of complicity in the assassination of Governor William Goebel in 1900. The prosecution charged that Powers was the mastermind, having a political opponent killed so that his boss, Governor William S. Taylor, could stay in office. He was sentenced to prison. An appeals court overturned Powers' conviction, though Powers was tried
Powers was convicted of complicity in the assassination of Governor William Goebel in 1900. The prosecution charged that Powers was the mastermind, having a political opponent killed so that his boss, Governor William S. Taylor, could stay in office. He was sentenced to prison. An appeals court overturned Powers' conviction, though Powers was tried
Date of crime
Powers was convicted of complicity in the assassination of Governor William Goebel in 1900. The prosecution charged that Powers was the mastermind, having a political opponent killed so that his boss, Governor William S. Taylor, could stay in office. He was sentenced to prison. An appeals court overturned Powers' conviction, though Powers was tried
December 23, 1905
December 23, 1905
Date of crime
December 23, 1905
Defendant(s)
Floyd Westfield
Crime
Murder*
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
2 years
Legally exonerated
Yes
During a Christmas celebration in 1905, Westfield, a black man, shot and killed Alonzo Rains, a white constable. He admitted to killing Rains, but said he acted in self-defense. In 1906, Westfield was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. He was granted a new trial by the Tennessee Supreme Court, which found that a lesser convict
During a Christmas celebration in 1905, Westfield, a black man, shot and killed Alonzo Rains, a white constable. He admitted to killing Rains, but said he acted in self-defense. In 1906, Westfield was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. He was granted a new trial by the Tennessee Supreme Court, which found that a lesser convict
Date of crime
During a Christmas celebration in 1905, Westfield, a black man, shot and killed Alonzo Rains, a white constable. He admitted to killing Rains, but said he acted in self-defense. In 1906, Westfield was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. He was granted a new trial by the Tennessee Supreme Court, which found that a lesser convict
Feb 11, 1906
Feb 11, 1906
Date of crime
Feb 11, 1906
Defendant(s)
Ed Johnson
Crime
Rape
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
Killed by lynch mob
Legally exonerated
Yes
Ed Johnson, a black man, was convicted in Chattanooga, Tennessee of the rape of Nevada Taylor, a white woman, and sentenced to death. Taylor's initial description of her assailant was very vague. She told police she did not get a good look at him and only knew that the attacker was black. After the reward was increased to $375, another man in town
Ed Johnson, a black man, was convicted in Chattanooga, Tennessee of the rape of Nevada Taylor, a white woman, and sentenced to death. Taylor's initial description of her assailant was very vague. She told police she did not get a good look at him and only knew that the attacker was black. After the reward was increased to $375, another man in town
Date of crime
Ed Johnson, a black man, was convicted in Chattanooga, Tennessee of the rape of Nevada Taylor, a white woman, and sentenced to death. Taylor's initial description of her assailant was very vague. She told police she did not get a good look at him and only knew that the attacker was black. After the reward was increased to $375, another man in town
Date of crime
Defendant(s)
Crime
Location
Sentence
Time served
Legally exonerated
1900
Caleb Powers
Murder
Frankfort, Kentucky
Life imprisonment
8 years
Yes
Powers was convicted of complicity in the assassination of Governor William Goebel in 1900. The prosecution charged that Powers was the mastermind, having a political opponent killed so that his boss, Governor William S. Taylor, could stay in office. He was sentenced to prison. An appeals court overturned Powers' conviction, though Powers was tried
December 23, 1905
Floyd Westfield
Murder*
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Death by hanging
2 years
Yes
During a Christmas celebration in 1905, Westfield, a black man, shot and killed Alonzo Rains, a white constable. He admitted to killing Rains, but said he acted in self-defense. In 1906, Westfield was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. He was granted a new trial by the Tennessee Supreme Court, which found that a lesser convict
Feb 11, 1906
Ed Johnson
Rape
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Death by hanging
Killed by lynch mob
Yes
Ed Johnson, a black man, was convicted in Chattanooga, Tennessee of the rape of Nevada Taylor, a white woman, and sentenced to death. Taylor's initial description of her assailant was very vague. She told police she did not get a good look at him and only knew that the attacker was black. After the reward was increased to $375, another man in town
· 1910s
Aug 23, 1912
Aug 23, 1912
Date of crime
Aug 23, 1912
Defendant(s)
William Cantwell Walters
Crime
Kidnapping of Bobby Dunbar
Location
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Sentence
Life imprisonment
Time served
Two years
Legally exonerated
Yes
4-year-old Bobby Dunbar disappeared on a fishing trip with his parents on August 23, 1912. Eight months later, William Walters was arrested while travelling with a boy who resembled Dunbar. He told authorities that the boy was Bruce Anderson, the son of his employer who he was looking after, and Anderson's mother confirmed this. However, the Dunbar
4-year-old Bobby Dunbar disappeared on a fishing trip with his parents on August 23, 1912. Eight months later, William Walters was arrested while travelling with a boy who resembled Dunbar. He told authorities that the boy was Bruce Anderson, the son of his employer who he was looking after, and Anderson's mother confirmed this. However, the Dunbar
Date of crime
4-year-old Bobby Dunbar disappeared on a fishing trip with his parents on August 23, 1912. Eight months later, William Walters was arrested while travelling with a boy who resembled Dunbar. He told authorities that the boy was Bruce Anderson, the son of his employer who he was looking after, and Anderson's mother confirmed this. However, the Dunbar
1912
1912
Date of crime
1912
Defendant(s)
Bill Wilson
Crime
Murder*
Location
Blount County, Alabama
Sentence
Life imprisonment
Time served
6 years
Legally exonerated
Yes
Wilson was convicted of murdering his wife, Jenny Wilson, and their 19-month-old daughter. Bones presented by the prosecution in court were later discovered to be those of at least four or five people and likely of indigenous ethnicity. Wilson received a formal pardon from the Alabama governor after his wife and daughter were discovered to be livin
Wilson was convicted of murdering his wife, Jenny Wilson, and their 19-month-old daughter. Bones presented by the prosecution in court were later discovered to be those of at least four or five people and likely of indigenous ethnicity. Wilson received a formal pardon from the Alabama governor after his wife and daughter were discovered to be livin
Date of crime
Wilson was convicted of murdering his wife, Jenny Wilson, and their 19-month-old daughter. Bones presented by the prosecution in court were later discovered to be those of at least four or five people and likely of indigenous ethnicity. Wilson received a formal pardon from the Alabama governor after his wife and daughter were discovered to be livin
Apr 24, 1913
Apr 24, 1913
Date of crime
Apr 24, 1913
Defendant(s)
Thomas Griffin, Meeks Griffin, Nelson Brice, and John Crosby
Crime
Murder
Location
Chester County, South Carolina
Sentence
Death by electrocution
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
No
The Griffins were prominent black farmers in Chester County, South Carolina, believed to be the wealthiest blacks in the area. They were convicted and executed via the electric chair in 1915 for the murder in 1913 of 74-year-old John Q. Lewis. The Griffin brothers were convicted based on the accusations of another black man, John "Monk" Stevenson,
The Griffins were prominent black farmers in Chester County, South Carolina, believed to be the wealthiest blacks in the area. They were convicted and executed via the electric chair in 1915 for the murder in 1913 of 74-year-old John Q. Lewis. The Griffin brothers were convicted based on the accusations of another black man, John "Monk" Stevenson,
Date of crime
The Griffins were prominent black farmers in Chester County, South Carolina, believed to be the wealthiest blacks in the area. They were convicted and executed via the electric chair in 1915 for the murder in 1913 of 74-year-old John Q. Lewis. The Griffin brothers were convicted based on the accusations of another black man, John "Monk" Stevenson,
Apr 26, 1913
Apr 26, 1913
Date of crime
Apr 26, 1913
Defendant(s)
Leo Frank
Crime
Murder
Location
Marietta, Georgia
Sentence
Death (commuted to life imprisonment)
Time served
Killed by lynch mob
Legally exonerated
No
Frank, a Jewish man, was a factory superintendent who was convicted in 1913 of the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a Protestant employee. Originally sentenced to death, Georgia's outgoing governor commuted Frank's sentence to life in prison. Frank was subsequently abducted from prison and lynched. In 1986, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and
Frank, a Jewish man, was a factory superintendent who was convicted in 1913 of the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a Protestant employee. Originally sentenced to death, Georgia's outgoing governor commuted Frank's sentence to life in prison. Frank was subsequently abducted from prison and lynched. In 1986, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and
Date of crime
Frank, a Jewish man, was a factory superintendent who was convicted in 1913 of the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a Protestant employee. Originally sentenced to death, Georgia's outgoing governor commuted Frank's sentence to life in prison. Frank was subsequently abducted from prison and lynched. In 1986, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and
Jan 10, 1914
Jan 10, 1914
Date of crime
Jan 10, 1914
Defendant(s)
Joe Hill
Crime
Murder
Location
Salt Lake City, Utah
Sentence
Death by firing squad
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
No
Joe Hill was convicted for the murder of John Morrison, a grocer, and his son. On the evening that the murder occurred, Hill appeared on the doorstep of a local doctor with a bullet wound through his left lung. Moreover, the killer was reported to have worn a red bandana, something which Hill also owned. However, the majority consensus among histor
Joe Hill was convicted for the murder of John Morrison, a grocer, and his son. On the evening that the murder occurred, Hill appeared on the doorstep of a local doctor with a bullet wound through his left lung. Moreover, the killer was reported to have worn a red bandana, something which Hill also owned. However, the majority consensus among histor
Date of crime
Joe Hill was convicted for the murder of John Morrison, a grocer, and his son. On the evening that the murder occurred, Hill appeared on the doorstep of a local doctor with a bullet wound through his left lung. Moreover, the killer was reported to have worn a red bandana, something which Hill also owned. However, the majority consensus among histor
Jul 22, 1916
Jul 22, 1916
Date of crime
Jul 22, 1916
Defendant(s)
Thomas Mooney
Crime
Preparedness Day Bombing
Location
San Francisco, California
Sentence
Death (commuted to life imprisonment)
Time served
22 years
Legally exonerated
Yes
After being convicted and imprisoned for a 1916 bombing in San Francisco, Mooney appealed his case. He filed a writ of habeas corpus that was heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1937. Although he presented evidence that his conviction was obtained through the use of perjured testimony and that the prosecution had suppressed favorable eviden
After being convicted and imprisoned for a 1916 bombing in San Francisco, Mooney appealed his case. He filed a writ of habeas corpus that was heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1937. Although he presented evidence that his conviction was obtained through the use of perjured testimony and that the prosecution had suppressed favorable eviden
Date of crime
After being convicted and imprisoned for a 1916 bombing in San Francisco, Mooney appealed his case. He filed a writ of habeas corpus that was heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1937. Although he presented evidence that his conviction was obtained through the use of perjured testimony and that the prosecution had suppressed favorable eviden
Aug 8, 1917
Aug 8, 1917
Date of crime
Aug 8, 1917
Defendant(s)
John Snowden
Crime
Murder
Location
Annapolis, Maryland
Sentence
Death by hanging
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
Yes
In 1917, John Snowden, a black man, was charged with the murder of Lottie May Brandon, a pregnant white woman, in Annapolis. His conviction was based on the testimony of two neighbors that a man resembling Snowden had left the victim's house. Snowden never confessed to the murder and was likely tortured by the police while in custody. Maintained hi
In 1917, John Snowden, a black man, was charged with the murder of Lottie May Brandon, a pregnant white woman, in Annapolis. His conviction was based on the testimony of two neighbors that a man resembling Snowden had left the victim's house. Snowden never confessed to the murder and was likely tortured by the police while in custody. Maintained hi
Date of crime
In 1917, John Snowden, a black man, was charged with the murder of Lottie May Brandon, a pregnant white woman, in Annapolis. His conviction was based on the testimony of two neighbors that a man resembling Snowden had left the victim's house. Snowden never confessed to the murder and was likely tortured by the police while in custody. Maintained hi
Date of crime
Defendant(s)
Crime
Location
Sentence
Time served
Legally exonerated
Aug 23, 1912
William Cantwell Walters
Kidnapping of Bobby Dunbar
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Life imprisonment
Two years
Yes
4-year-old Bobby Dunbar disappeared on a fishing trip with his parents on August 23, 1912. Eight months later, William Walters was arrested while travelling with a boy who resembled Dunbar. He told authorities that the boy was Bruce Anderson, the son of his employer who he was looking after, and Anderson's mother confirmed this. However, the Dunbar
1912
Bill Wilson
Murder*
Blount County, Alabama
Life imprisonment
6 years
Yes
Wilson was convicted of murdering his wife, Jenny Wilson, and their 19-month-old daughter. Bones presented by the prosecution in court were later discovered to be those of at least four or five people and likely of indigenous ethnicity. Wilson received a formal pardon from the Alabama governor after his wife and daughter were discovered to be livin
Apr 24, 1913
Thomas Griffin, Meeks Griffin, Nelson Brice, and John Crosby
Murder
Chester County, South Carolina
Death by electrocution
Executed
No
The Griffins were prominent black farmers in Chester County, South Carolina, believed to be the wealthiest blacks in the area. They were convicted and executed via the electric chair in 1915 for the murder in 1913 of 74-year-old John Q. Lewis. The Griffin brothers were convicted based on the accusations of another black man, John "Monk" Stevenson,
Apr 26, 1913
Leo Frank
Murder
Marietta, Georgia
Death (commuted to life imprisonment)
Killed by lynch mob
No
Frank, a Jewish man, was a factory superintendent who was convicted in 1913 of the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a Protestant employee. Originally sentenced to death, Georgia's outgoing governor commuted Frank's sentence to life in prison. Frank was subsequently abducted from prison and lynched. In 1986, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and
Jan 10, 1914
Joe Hill
Murder
Salt Lake City, Utah
Death by firing squad
Executed
No
Joe Hill was convicted for the murder of John Morrison, a grocer, and his son. On the evening that the murder occurred, Hill appeared on the doorstep of a local doctor with a bullet wound through his left lung. Moreover, the killer was reported to have worn a red bandana, something which Hill also owned. However, the majority consensus among histor
Jul 22, 1916
Thomas Mooney
Preparedness Day Bombing
San Francisco, California
Death (commuted to life imprisonment)
22 years
Yes
After being convicted and imprisoned for a 1916 bombing in San Francisco, Mooney appealed his case. He filed a writ of habeas corpus that was heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1937. Although he presented evidence that his conviction was obtained through the use of perjured testimony and that the prosecution had suppressed favorable eviden
Aug 8, 1917
John Snowden
Murder
Annapolis, Maryland
Death by hanging
Executed
Yes
In 1917, John Snowden, a black man, was charged with the murder of Lottie May Brandon, a pregnant white woman, in Annapolis. His conviction was based on the testimony of two neighbors that a man resembling Snowden had left the victim's house. Snowden never confessed to the murder and was likely tortured by the police while in custody. Maintained hi
· 1920s
1920
1920
Date of crime
1920
Defendant(s)
Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti
Crime
Murders of Alessandro Berardelli and Frederick Parmenter during an armed robbery
Location
Braintree, Massachusetts
Sentence
Death
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
No
In 1977, as the 50th anniversary of the executions approached, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis asked the Office of the Governor's Legal Counsel to report on "whether there are substantial grounds for believing—at least in the light of the legal standards of today—that Sacco and Vanzetti were unfairly convicted and executed" and to recommend
In 1977, as the 50th anniversary of the executions approached, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis asked the Office of the Governor's Legal Counsel to report on "whether there are substantial grounds for believing—at least in the light of the legal standards of today—that Sacco and Vanzetti were unfairly convicted and executed" and to recommend
Date of crime
In 1977, as the 50th anniversary of the executions approached, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis asked the Office of the Governor's Legal Counsel to report on "whether there are substantial grounds for believing—at least in the light of the legal standards of today—that Sacco and Vanzetti were unfairly convicted and executed" and to recommend
April 1928
April 1928
Date of crime
April 1928
Defendant(s)
Louise Butler and George Yelder
Crime
Murder*
Location
Lowndes County, Alabama
Sentence
Life imprisonment
Time served
Two months
Legally exonerated
Yes
Butler and Yelder were sentenced to life imprisonment after Butler's daughter testified that they had killed Yelder's niece, Topsy Warren, and dismembered her body. However, less than a week later the local sheriff found Topsy Warren alive. Butler and Yelder were officially pardoned and released in June.
Butler and Yelder were sentenced to life imprisonment after Butler's daughter testified that they had killed Yelder's niece, Topsy Warren, and dismembered her body. However, less than a week later the local sheriff found Topsy Warren alive. Butler and Yelder were officially pardoned and released in June.
Date of crime
Butler and Yelder were sentenced to life imprisonment after Butler's daughter testified that they had killed Yelder's niece, Topsy Warren, and dismembered her body. However, less than a week later the local sheriff found Topsy Warren alive. Butler and Yelder were officially pardoned and released in June.
Mar 14, 1929
Mar 14, 1929
Date of crime
Mar 14, 1929
Defendant(s)
Robert Coleman
Crime
Murder
Location
Jonesboro, Georgia
Sentence
Life imprisonment
Time served
Four years
Legally exonerated
Yes
Robert Coleman was convicted of beating his wife to death due to bloodstains on his overalls. He was sentenced to life on a chain gang. Four years into Coleman's sentence, murderer Rader Davis was arrested and pointed the police to burglar James Starks (or Sparks), who Davis said had confessed to murdering Mrs. Coleman while sharing a cell with him
Robert Coleman was convicted of beating his wife to death due to bloodstains on his overalls. He was sentenced to life on a chain gang. Four years into Coleman's sentence, murderer Rader Davis was arrested and pointed the police to burglar James Starks (or Sparks), who Davis said had confessed to murdering Mrs. Coleman while sharing a cell with him
Date of crime
Robert Coleman was convicted of beating his wife to death due to bloodstains on his overalls. He was sentenced to life on a chain gang. Four years into Coleman's sentence, murderer Rader Davis was arrested and pointed the police to burglar James Starks (or Sparks), who Davis said had confessed to murdering Mrs. Coleman while sharing a cell with him
Date of crime
Defendant(s)
Crime
Location
Sentence
Time served
Legally exonerated
1920
Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti
Murders of Alessandro Berardelli and Frederick Parmenter during an armed robbery
Braintree, Massachusetts
Death
Executed
No
In 1977, as the 50th anniversary of the executions approached, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis asked the Office of the Governor's Legal Counsel to report on "whether there are substantial grounds for believing—at least in the light of the legal standards of today—that Sacco and Vanzetti were unfairly convicted and executed" and to recommend
April 1928
Louise Butler and George Yelder
Murder*
Lowndes County, Alabama
Life imprisonment
Two months
Yes
Butler and Yelder were sentenced to life imprisonment after Butler's daughter testified that they had killed Yelder's niece, Topsy Warren, and dismembered her body. However, less than a week later the local sheriff found Topsy Warren alive. Butler and Yelder were officially pardoned and released in June.
Mar 14, 1929
Robert Coleman
Murder
Jonesboro, Georgia
Life imprisonment
Four years
Yes
Robert Coleman was convicted of beating his wife to death due to bloodstains on his overalls. He was sentenced to life on a chain gang. Four years into Coleman's sentence, murderer Rader Davis was arrested and pointed the police to burglar James Starks (or Sparks), who Davis said had confessed to murdering Mrs. Coleman while sharing a cell with him
· 1930s
Oct 3, 1930
Oct 3, 1930
Date of crime
Oct 3, 1930
Defendant(s)
Alexander McClay Williams
Crime
Murder
Location
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Sentence
Death by electrocution
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
Yes
Williams, a 16-year-old black teenager, confessed to the murder and attempted rape of Vida Robare, a white matron at his reform school. At his racially charged trial, he protested that he only confessed because he was promised that his confession would help him to avoid the death penalty. He was executed on June 8, 1931, becoming the youngest perso
Williams, a 16-year-old black teenager, confessed to the murder and attempted rape of Vida Robare, a white matron at his reform school. At his racially charged trial, he protested that he only confessed because he was promised that his confession would help him to avoid the death penalty. He was executed on June 8, 1931, becoming the youngest perso
Date of crime
Williams, a 16-year-old black teenager, confessed to the murder and attempted rape of Vida Robare, a white matron at his reform school. At his racially charged trial, he protested that he only confessed because he was promised that his confession would help him to avoid the death penalty. He was executed on June 8, 1931, becoming the youngest perso
Mar 24, 1931
Mar 24, 1931
Date of crime
Mar 24, 1931
Defendant(s)
Scottsboro Boys
Crime
Rape
Location
Paint Rock, Alabama
Sentence
Varied, 8 were sentenced to death (none executed)
Time served
6–17 years
Legally exonerated
Yes
Following an altercation with a group of white teens, nine young black men and teenage boys were accused of rape by two women, Ruby Bates and Victoria Price. The Scottsboro case is considered a landmark case, prohibiting racial discrimination in the jury selection process, as no blacks were allowed to be considered to serve on the jury before which
Following an altercation with a group of white teens, nine young black men and teenage boys were accused of rape by two women, Ruby Bates and Victoria Price. The Scottsboro case is considered a landmark case, prohibiting racial discrimination in the jury selection process, as no blacks were allowed to be considered to serve on the jury before which
Date of crime
Following an altercation with a group of white teens, nine young black men and teenage boys were accused of rape by two women, Ruby Bates and Victoria Price. The Scottsboro case is considered a landmark case, prohibiting racial discrimination in the jury selection process, as no blacks were allowed to be considered to serve on the jury before which
Dec 9, 1932
Dec 9, 1932
Date of crime
Dec 9, 1932
Defendant(s)
Joseph Majczek and Theodore Marcinkiewicz
Crime
Murder
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Sentence
99 years (both)
Time served
11 years
Legally exonerated
Yes
Majczek and Marcinkiewicz were arrested and convicted of the murder of 57-year-old Chicago police officer William D. Lundy on December 9, 1932. Initially, officials held 10 youths in custody on suspicion of killing the officer. Some 11+1⁄2 years later in 1944, following the intervention of Chicago Times reporters John McPhaul and James McGuire, bot
Majczek and Marcinkiewicz were arrested and convicted of the murder of 57-year-old Chicago police officer William D. Lundy on December 9, 1932. Initially, officials held 10 youths in custody on suspicion of killing the officer. Some 11+1⁄2 years later in 1944, following the intervention of Chicago Times reporters John McPhaul and James McGuire, bot
Date of crime
Majczek and Marcinkiewicz were arrested and convicted of the murder of 57-year-old Chicago police officer William D. Lundy on December 9, 1932. Initially, officials held 10 youths in custody on suspicion of killing the officer. Some 11+1⁄2 years later in 1944, following the intervention of Chicago Times reporters John McPhaul and James McGuire, bot
Aug 26, 1936
Aug 26, 1936
Date of crime
Aug 26, 1936
Defendant(s)
Joe Arridy
Crime
Murder
Location
Pueblo, Colorado
Sentence
Death by lethal gas
Time served
Executed
Legally exonerated
Yes
Arridy was convicted and executed for the 1936 killing of 15-year-old Dorothy Drain with a hatchet. In 2011, Gov. Bill Ritter posthumously pardoned Arridy. Ritter said an overwhelming amount of evidence suggests Arridy did not commit the crime and was likely not in Pueblo at the time of the crime. The victim's sister had testified that the murder w
Arridy was convicted and executed for the 1936 killing of 15-year-old Dorothy Drain with a hatchet. In 2011, Gov. Bill Ritter posthumously pardoned Arridy. Ritter said an overwhelming amount of evidence suggests Arridy did not commit the crime and was likely not in Pueblo at the time of the crime. The victim's sister had testified that the murder w
Date of crime
Arridy was convicted and executed for the 1936 killing of 15-year-old Dorothy Drain with a hatchet. In 2011, Gov. Bill Ritter posthumously pardoned Arridy. Ritter said an overwhelming amount of evidence suggests Arridy did not commit the crime and was likely not in Pueblo at the time of the crime. The victim's sister had testified that the murder w
Date of crime
Defendant(s)
Crime
Location
Sentence
Time served
Legally exonerated
Oct 3, 1930
Alexander McClay Williams
Murder
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Death by electrocution
Executed
Yes
Williams, a 16-year-old black teenager, confessed to the murder and attempted rape of Vida Robare, a white matron at his reform school. At his racially charged trial, he protested that he only confessed because he was promised that his confession would help him to avoid the death penalty. He was executed on June 8, 1931, becoming the youngest perso
Mar 24, 1931
Scottsboro Boys
Rape
Paint Rock, Alabama
Varied, 8 were sentenced to death (none executed)
6–17 years
Yes
Following an altercation with a group of white teens, nine young black men and teenage boys were accused of rape by two women, Ruby Bates and Victoria Price. The Scottsboro case is considered a landmark case, prohibiting racial discrimination in the jury selection process, as no blacks were allowed to be considered to serve on the jury before which
Dec 9, 1932
Joseph Majczek and Theodore Marcinkiewicz
Murder
Chicago, Illinois
99 years (both)
11 years
Yes
Majczek and Marcinkiewicz were arrested and convicted of the murder of 57-year-old Chicago police officer William D. Lundy on December 9, 1932. Initially, officials held 10 youths in custody on suspicion of killing the officer. Some 11+1⁄2 years later in 1944, following the intervention of Chicago Times reporters John McPhaul and James McGuire, bot
Aug 26, 1936
Joe Arridy
Murder
Pueblo, Colorado
Death by lethal gas
Executed
Yes
Arridy was convicted and executed for the 1936 killing of 15-year-old Dorothy Drain with a hatchet. In 2011, Gov. Bill Ritter posthumously pardoned Arridy. Ritter said an overwhelming amount of evidence suggests Arridy did not commit the crime and was likely not in Pueblo at the time of the crime. The victim's sister had testified that the murder w

References

  1. Although the book titled Tulia: Race, Cocaine, and Corruption in a Small Texas Town by Nate Blakeslee quotes the number
  2. "The National Registry of Exonerations - Exoneration Registry"
    https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/about.aspx
  3. archives
    https://archives.albany.edu/description/catalog/apap301aspace_f87fce859744ce8dc6c1f0272c6c26e0
  4. Historic Northampton
    http://www.historic-northampton.org/daleyandhalligan/daleyandhalligan.html
  5. historic-northampton
    http://www.historic-northampton.org/daleyandhalligan/daleyandhalligan.html
  6. law
    https://law.jrank.org/pages/2415/Dominic-Daley-James-Halligan-Trial-1806-Issue-Bias.html
  7. Bluhm Legal Clinic - Center on Wrongful Convicions
    https://www.law.northwestern.edu/legalclinic/wrongfulconvictions/exonerations/vt/boorn-brothers.html
  8. KMOV
    https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/02/15/celias-story-missouri-teen-vindicated-175-years-later-pardoned-slave-owners-murder-thanks-familys-fight-justice/
  9. The Seattle Times
    https://web.archive.org/web/20041205152004/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002109915_leschi05m.html
  10. They Walked Before: The Indians of Washington State
  11. Washington Historical Quarterly
    http://journals.lib.washington.edu/index.php/WHQ/article/view/8829
  12. UMKC School of Law
    https://famous-trials.com/maguire/101-home
  13. (sic)
    http://www.historynet.com/molly-macguires-in-pennsylvania-coal-regions.htm
  14. Wrongly Convicted : Miscarriages of Justice
  15. "1887 Hanging Remains Nebraska's Most Controversial Execution"
    http://www.netnebraska.org/article/news/1887-hanging-remains-nebraskas-most-controversial-execution
  16. Black Hills Pioneer
    https://www.bhpioneer.com/opinion/a-murder-confession-45-years-too-late/article_b7773e16-c41d-11e4-ac67-dff6db214ac4.html
  17. Black Hills Pioneer
    https://www.bhpioneer.com/opinion/a-murder-confession-45-years-too-late/article_b7773e16-c41d-11e4-ac67-dff6db214ac4.html
  18. Texas Monthly
    https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/capital-murder/
  19. HADC - Reasons for pardoning Fielden, Neebe and Schwab Archived November 14, 2007, at the Wayback Machine at www
    http://www.chicagohs.org/hadc/books/b06/B06.htm
  20. exonerationregistry
    https://exonerationregistry.org/cases/4355
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