Cyntoia Brown has finally been released from prison after serving 15 years for killing the man who purchased her for sex when she was a teenager.
Now 31, Brown walked out of Tennessee Prison for Women after a clemency grant by former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam after celebrities including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian rallied for her release.
It was in 2004 when Brown killed Johnny Allen. The man trafficked her, raped, beat, and plied her with drugs. She has shot Allen in the back of his head and fled in his truck.
In 2006, she was convicted of first-degree murder and was originally ordered to serve 51 years in prison.
“’When I was 16-years-old, I did a very horrible thing, and that has been with me for a very long time,” she said during her trial.
“He didn’t deserve to die. I was wrong. I was wrong. And I can’t fix it.”
Her case drew the attention of Hollywood stars, including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian.
Brown will remain on parole supervision for ten years on the condition she doesn’t violate any laws and holds a job.
She said in a statement after her release that she was to help other girls and women suffering exploitation and abuse.
“I thank Governor and First Lady Haslam for their vote of confidence in me and with the Lord’s help I will make them as well as the rest of my supporters proud,” she expressed.
Her lawyers said that she is requesting privacy and transition time before she faces the public.
After being granted clemency, Brown issued a statement and said she will do her best to justify Haslam’s faith in her.
“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.”
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