Exonerated Canadians

Canadians exonerated after being wrongfully convicted include:

Guy Paul Morin: Tried twice for 1984 killing of nine-year-old Christine Jessop in rural southwestern Ontario. Acquitted in 1986; convicted at retrial in 1992 and imprisoned. Exonerated in 1995 on strength of DNA evidence and awarded $1.2 million in compensation.

David Milgaard: Sixteen years old when convicted in 1969 murder of Saskatoon nursing aide Gail Miller. Spent 23 years in prison before being exonerated by DNA evidence in 1997. DNA evidence also helped catch Miller's real killer, Larry Fisher, who was convicted in 1999. Milgaard awarded $10 million in compensation.

Donald Marshall: Nova Scotia man convicted in 1971 of murdering Sandy Seale. Spent nearly 19 years in prison before being exonerated by royal commission report in 1990. Compensated with lifetime pension of $1.5 million.

Rodney Cain: Nova Scotia man spent nearly two decades behind bars after being convicted in 1986 of murdering a man outside after-hours club in Toronto. Justice minister ordered conviction overturned in May 2004, citing new evidence that strongly suggested Cain was acting in self-defence. Currently free on bail while Ontario court decides whether to order new trial or exonerate him.

James Driskell: Winnipeg man spent more than 12 years behind bars after being convicted in June 1991 of killing friend Perry Harder. Was released on bail in November 2003 after new evidence showed key witnesses were paid for testimony and given immunity from prosecution for other crimes. Convicted without confession, witness or murder weapon.