A woman who was jailed for killing her alleged sexual abuser has been freed from prison 15 years after being handed a life sentence.
Aged just 16, Cyntoia Brown was handed a life sentence for shooting a real estate agent Johnny Allen who allegedly paid for sex with the teenager. The case sparked mass outrage and Cyntoia won support from high-profile celebrities including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian West.
And according to Tennessee Department of Corrections, Cyntoia, now 31, was released on Wednesday 7th August after being granted clemency back in January.
Advert
While Cyntoia has walked free, she'll will remain on parole for the next decade.
During her trial, Cyntoia - who was 16 when she shot 43-year-old Allen - claimed the murder was in self defence, as she feared for her life and believed he was searching for a weapon.
After killing Allen, Brown also took his wallet, claiming in court that she feared returning to her pimp, nicknamed 'Kut-Throat' without any money.
Advert
She was granted clemency by Tennessee's Governer Bill Haslam, who she later thanked for his support.
Promising to use her release to help other women who have suffered abuse, she said: "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".
A #FreeCyntoiaBrown campaign was viral on social media after she was slapped with the life sentence.
Advert
Plus, while she was behind bars, key A-list figures including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian West petitioned hard for her release.
Two years ago, Wild Thoughts singer Rihanna passionately wrote: "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 who took you to his home to use you for sex.
Advert
"You end up finding enough courage to fight back and shoot and kill him. Your [sic] arrested as [sic] result tried and convicted as an adult and sentenced to life in prison.
"This is the story of Cyntoia Brown. She will be eligible for parole when she is 69 years old."
Cyntoia was tried as an adult and convicted of first degree murder, first degree felony murder and aggravated robbery.
Her release is a huge victory for all campaigning for her, who expected her to serve at least 51 years before getting parole.
Featured Image Credit: ArchiveTopics: News