Illinois

Police Coerced a False Confession From 20-Year-Old Danny Davis — 33 Years Later, His Murder Conviction Is Dismissed

Police Coerced a False Confession From 20-Year-Old Danny Davis — 33 Years Later, His Murder Conviction Is Dismissed

Danny returned home in 2024 and was exonerated on Nov. 12, 2025, after more than 32 years in prison for a murder that DNA evidence proved he did not commit.

Breaking 11.12.25 by Innocence Staff

Remembering Jonathan Barr of the Dixmoor Five

Remembering Jonathan Barr of the Dixmoor Five

Mr. Barr was a pillar of strength within the innocence movement, always willing to support fellow exonerees returning home.

In Memory 08.26.24 by Alicia Maule

Illinois Can Once Again Lead in Preventing Wrongful Convictions by Passing a Critical False Confession Bill

Illinois Can Once Again Lead in Preventing Wrongful Convictions by Passing a Critical False Confession Bill

New proposed Illinois legislation would allow judges to rule on whether or not a confession is reliable – a key reform to prevent wrongful convictions.

Op-Ed 05.22.24 by Peter Neufeld and Steven Drizin

Herman Williams Is Exonerated After Nearly Three Decades of Wrongful Conviction

Herman Williams Is Exonerated After Nearly Three Decades of Wrongful Conviction

A judge vacated the conviction of Herman Williams and ordered his immediate release after nearly 29 years in prison.

09.06.22 by Innocence Staff

Illinois Becomes the First State to Ban Police from Lying to Juveniles During Interrogations

Illinois Becomes the First State to Ban Police from Lying to Juveniles During Interrogations

Governor Pritzker signs historic bill prohibiting police from using deception during interrogations of minors.

07.15.21 by Innocence Staff

Historic Deception Bill Passes Illinois Legislature, Banning Police from Lying to Youth During Interrogations

Historic Deception Bill Passes Illinois Legislature, Banning Police from Lying to Youth During Interrogations

Illinois becomes first state in the U.S. to pass legislation prohibiting police from using deception with youth.

05.30.21 by Innocence Staff

These 8 States Had the Most Exonerations in 2019

These 8 States Had the Most Exonerations in 2019

Last year, 143 wrongfully convicted people were exonerated across the U.S.

04.02.20 by Daniele Selby

Five Facts You Need to Know About Groundbreaking Jailhouse Informant Law in Illinois

Five Facts You Need to Know About Groundbreaking Jailhouse Informant Law in Illinois

11.28.18 by Innocence Staff

This Week in Innocence News - December 8, 2017

This Week in Innocence News - December 8, 2017

12.08.17 by Innocence Staff

Two Chicago Men Sentenced to Life in Prison Declared Innocent

Two Chicago Men Sentenced to Life in Prison Declared Innocent

12.06.17 by Innocence Staff

Chicago Woman Exonerated After Eight Years in Prison

Chicago Woman Exonerated After Eight Years in Prison

11.07.17 by Innocence Staff

Wrongful Conviction Day 2017: Taking a Closer Look at Compensation Laws in the U.S.

Wrongful Conviction Day 2017: Taking a Closer Look at Compensation Laws in the U.S.

10.02.17 by Rebecca Brown and Carlita Salazar