Sex-Trafficked Teen Killer Cyntoia Brown Released From Prison After Serving 15 Years
Cyntoia Brown has officially been released from prison months after being granted clemency earlier this year, RadarOnline.com can report.
The 31-year-old prisoner's story went viral after celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and Jada Pinkett-Smith rallied behind her in hopes of getting her out.
In the early morning hours on Wednesday, Aug. 7, Brown took her first steps to freedom as she left the Tennessee Prison for Women. She will remain on parole supervision for 10 years.
In January, Brown was granted clemency after serving 15 years behind bars for killing a man she claimed sold her for underage sex. She was initially sentenced to life in prison at age 16.
The convicted killer claimed to have lived a life of addiction, mental illness and neglect. Brown's alcoholic mother gave her up for adoption and then she was allegedly abused by her stepfather.
Brown claimed to have fell into a downward spiral involving drugs, alcohol abuse and prostitution. At age 16, she met with 43-year-old real estate agent Johnny Allen, who agreed to pay her $150.
During a terrifying encounter at Allen's house, Brown claimed she was on his bed when Allen rolled over and reached for a gun. She shot him with her own and then fled the residence with stolen guns from his bedroom.
Brown called 911 the next day and confessed to murder. Prosecutors argued that because Brown admitted to stealing firearms, she could not use self-defense as an argument.
Brown was ultimately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after 51 years served. However, her life began looking up after attorney Charles Bone took on her case. The Nashville attorney was inspired by watching a documentary about Brown's life.
Ahead of her release, Brown's attorney J. Houston Gordon informed RadarOnline.com that her Wednesday release would be kept "private."
Her legal team declined to comment despite Brown receiving overwhelming support by celebs. As RadarOnline.com readers know, Kardashian thanked Tennessee Governor Bill Halsam after the 31-year-old was granted clemency.
This week, Brown released a statement thanking her supporters.
“While first giving honor to God who made all of this possible, I would also like to thank my many supporters who have spoken on my behalf and prayed for me,” Brown said.
“I’m blessed to have a very supportive family and friends to support me in the days to come. I look forward to using my experiences to help other women and girls suffering abuse and exploitation. 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.”