Photo Credit: Christopher Furlong
After a LONG fight, Gov. Bill Haslam granted Cyntoia Brown clemency and she will be released from prison in August of 2019.
The Tennessee woman was sentenced to life in prison at the age of 16 after killing a man who allegedly sex-trafficked her. Her abuser was 43- year old Johnny Mitchel Allan, a man who she said solicited her for sex and drove her to his house, where she later murdered him in fear of her life after resisting.
Gov. Bill Haslam made a statement saying: Yet, imposing a life sentence on a juvenile that would require her to serve at least 51 years before even being eligible for parole consideration is too harsh, especially in light of the extraordinary steps Ms. Brown has taken to rebuild her life. “Transformation should be accompanied by hope. So, I am commuting Ms. Brown’s sentence, subject to certain conditions.”
After serving 15 years in prison, Brown will be on parole for 10 years upon her August 7th release.
Many celebrities have actively used their platforms to advocate for Brown and show empathy for her situation.
Cyntoia Brown is overjoyed with her upcoming freedom, and says she will use this to help others!
I am thankful for all the support, prayers, and encouragement I have received. We truly serve a God of second chances and new beginnings. The Lord has held my hand this whole time and I would have never made it without Him. Let today be a testament to His Saving Grace.
Thank you to my family for being a backbone these past 14 years.
I am thankful to my lawyers and their staffs, and all the others who, for the last decade have freely given of their time and expertise to help me get to this day.
I love all of you and will be forever grateful.
With God’s help, I am committed to live the rest of my life helping others, especially young people. My hope is to help other young girls avoid ending up where I have been.
Take a look at that smile!