On Monday morning Governor Haslam granted executive clemency to Cyntoia Brown, commuting her life sentence. Brown is to be released August 7, at which point she will have served 15 years of her life sentence.

This decision comes after Brown was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery following the murder of Johnny Allen in 2004 by then 16 year-old Brown. She was sentenced to serve life in prison without possibility of parole until 2055.

Throughout the case and the appeal, Brown has stated that she acted in self-defense as she was afraid of Allen. Brown was forced into prostitution and claimed to have taken Allen’s wallet and guns so as to not return empty handed to her pimp.

During her time in prison, Brown earned her GED, she completed an associate degree, and is working towards completing a bachelor’s degree. In addition to her education, while incarcerated Brown mentored troubled youths and has voiced the desire to continue to have an impact.