NASHVILLE, Tenn (1010 WINS) -- Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has granted clemency to Cyntoia Brown.
Brown had been sentenced to life in prison for a murder she claims was self-defense after becoming the victim of sex trafficking.
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Brown killed Johnny Mitchell Allen, who had allegedly solicited the then teenage Brown for sex and took her to his home. Prosecutors say she shot him in the head while he was sleeping before taking off with cash, guns, and truck. Brown said she took the money because she was afraid of returning empty-handed to her pimp who went by the name 'Cut Throat.'
In a 2011 documentary, Brown says she was forced into prostitution at a young age and was physically abused by her pimp.
In recent months she received support from celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Rihanna.
"This decision comes after careful consideration of what is a tragic and complex case," Haslam said. "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. Transformation should be accompanied by hope."
Now that she's been granted clemency, Brown will be released in August, but will remain on parole for 10 years.