Cyntoia Brown, who was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery at 16 and sentenced to life in prison, is now a free woman, the Tennessee Department of Corrections announced Wednesday.
Then-Gov. Bill Haslam granted Brown clemency in January, after her story made national headlines.
"This decision comes after careful consideration of what is a tragic and complex case," Haslam said at the time.
Brown's case gained renewed attention in 2011 when a PBS documentary titled "Me Facing Life: Cyntoia's Story" premiered. It detailed how she was allegedly forced to be a teen prostitute, and the day of the fatal shooting of Johnny Allen, who Brown thought was reaching for a gun.
» Why did Cyntoia Brown have to wait until August to leave prison?
» Supporters rejoice after sex trafficking victim Cyntoia Brown granted clemency
A re-airing of the documentary likely sparked a social media movement to free Brown, with celebrities joining the movement and sharing the story.
During her trial, Brown testified she ran away from home at 16 and lived with a pimp "who raped her and forced her into prostitution," court records show.
Allen, she said, was a 43-year-old real estate agent who picked her up and took her to his home for sex, for which he agreed to pay $150. Brown testified she thought Allen was reaching for a gun, and she shot him with a gun she had in her purse.
She was convicted in 2006 and sentenced to life in prison, with the first possibility of parole in 2055.
» Georgia activists hold clemency rally for Tennessee inmate Cyntoia Brown
In November 2017, Rihanna shared a post to Instagram highlighting Brown’s case.
Lebron James, Snoop Dogg, T.I. and others soon followed.
The posted read, “Imagine at the age of 16 being sex-trafficked by a pimp named ‘cut-throat’... After days of being repeatedly drugged and raped by different men you were purchased by a 43 year old child predator...You end up finding enough courage to fight back and shoot and kill him...This is the story of Cyntoia Brown. She will be eligible parole when she is 69 years old. #FreeCyntoniaBrown.”
Days before leaving office, Haslam agreed with the calls for clemency.
"Cyntoia Brown committed, by her own admission, a horrific crime at the age of 16," Haslam said in a statement. "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."
She was not released until Wednesday because August 7 marks 15 years since the day Brown killed Allen. Her attorneys said 15 years is the typical sentence for second-degree murder, the Tennesseean reported. According to Charles Bone, Brown's lawyer, Haslam wanted Brown to fulfill a full 15 years of her sentence.
Following her release, Brown said in a statement, "I look forward to using my experiences to help other women and girls suffering abuse and exploitation."
Brown's attorneys say she's requesting privacy and transition time before she makes herself available to the public.
Brown already has a book deal, scheduled to be out this fall.
"Free Cyntoia" will be published October 15, Atria Books announced Tuesday.
According to Atria, the book will take readers on a "rollercoaster ride" as Brown reflects on her early struggles and the improbable events leading up to her release.
About the Author
