Cyntoia Brown, who was given a life sentence for killing a man who she said bought her for sex when she was 16, was granted clemency on Monday by a Republican governor.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam granted Brown a full commutation, and she will be released on parole supervision on Aug. 7.
The case became a national rallying point for criminal justice reform and awareness about human trafficking. Several celebrities such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian West, and Amy Schumer had called for Haslam to grant Brown clemency before leaving office later this month.
“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.”
Haslam added, ”Transformation should be accompanied by hope. So, I am commuting Ms. Brown’s sentence, subject to certain conditions.”
Brown, who has already served 15 years behind bars, was convicted in 2006 of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery for the 2004 murder of Johnny Allen, a Nashville real estate agent.
She accused Allen of buying her for sex and forcing her into prostitution, and she eventually shot him in the back of the head while they were in bed together.
In a statement released by her lawyers, Brown thanked Haslam “for your act of mercy in giving me a second chance. I will do everything I can to justify your faith in me.”
“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,” the 30-year-old said.
Brown will have to participate in regular counseling sessions, must perform at least 50 hours of community service, and will work with at-risk youth. She is also required to get a job.
During her time in prison, Brown earned her GED diploma and got a college degree from Lipscomb University.
