Cyntoia Brown will be released on parole on Aug. 7 after serving 15 years in prison.
Brown was serving a life sentence for killing a man who solicited her for sex at 16 years old. Clemency was granted by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam.
Gov. Bill Haslam grants full clemency to Cyntoia Brown, sets Aug. 7 release from prison https://t.co/3kz24zV4jP pic.twitter.com/bwBSHQS2iw
— Tennessean (@Tennessean) January 7, 2019
“Cyntoia Brown committed, by her own admission, a horrific crime at the age of 16. 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,” Haslam said in his statement.
Brown was convicted of murder in 2006 for killing 43-year-old Johnny Allen in 2004.
Brown expressed her thanks in a statement released Monday by her lawyers.
“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,” Brown said. “Let today be a testament to his saving grace.”
The now 30-year-old Brown will remain on parole supervision for 10 years. Under the supervision, she must not violate any state or federal laws, hold a job and participate in regular counseling sessions.
