The story of Cyntoia Brown has inspired socialite Kim Kardashian West to enlist her attorneys to help free the 29-year-old woman who has endured years of sex slavery. Kardashian enlisted Shawn Holley from The Cochran Firm to free Brown. Holley, known for working on the O.J. Simpson Trial, has worked with comedian Katt Williams, socialite Paris Hilton and others.
At the age of 16, Brown shot and killed 43-year-old Johnny Allen in 2004 after he allegedly tried to reach for a gun. She was sentenced to life in prison in 2006 for first-degree murder. Prosecutors claim that she was attempting to steal from him because she left Allen's home with his wallet and some guns according to CBS.
For over a decade, the now 29-year-old woman has been in a Tennessee prison and won't face parole until she is 69. Her story resurfaced online garnering the attention of celebrities after a 2011 documentary Me Facing Life: Cyntoia's Story depicting her life stirred sympathy for her plight.
The system has failed. It’s heart breaking to see a young girl sex trafficked then when she has the courage to fight back is jailed for life! We have to do better & do what’s right. I’ve called my attorneys yesterday to see what can be done to fix this. #FreeCyntoiaBrown
pic.twitter.com/73y26mLp7u— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) November 21, 2017
I know writing is hard and kinda annoying but PLEASE write ur mad as hell if that's all u can think of rn Send SOMETHING #FREECYNTOIABROWN???????? https://t.co/DiFzU7s1nG
— SZA (@sza) November 23, 2017
Brown has been a victim of mental and physical abuse and she was forced into human trafficking and sex slavery after running away from home and meeting a 24-year-old man named "Cut-throat." This man only identified as "Cut-throat" would do cocaine with the minor and moved around to different motels around town in 2004. He choked her and pulled a gun out on her several times. It was common that she was made to prostitute herself so that they could have money to live.
"He would explain to me that some people were born whores, and that I was one, and I was a slut, and nobody'd want me but him, and the best thing I could do was just learn to be a good whore," she testified.
She met Allen on Aug. 5, 2004. He brought her some fast food and asked if she was "up for any action," Brown said. When they arrived to his home, Allen's erratic behavior frightened the young girl. She took a nap and he laid right next to her. Every time she tried to escape him, he would get up and stand over her. Brown took out a handgun from her purse and shot the man once in the head.
New evidence suggests that Brown has a high I.Q. but has not progressed beyond that of a 13- or 14-year-old. Nashville attorney Charles Bone has become interested in the case and will appeal to the Tennessee governor for clemency next month.
