TN Democrats make final push for Cyntoia Brown’s clemency

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - Tennessee Democrats have joined together again to urge Governor Bill Haslam to grant Cyntoia Brown clemency before he leaves office within a few weeks.

In this final push for clemency Representative G. A. Hardaway has a message for Haslam.

“I would say to my good friend Bill Haslam that justice delayed is justice denied,” said Hardaway.

Senator-elect Brenda Gilmore also made a plea to Haslam.

“I am pleading and proud-fully asking for Gov. Haslam to find it in his heart to grant Cyntoia Brown fully clemency before he leaves office,” said Gilmore.

Republican Governor-elect Bill Lee will take over on January 19.

Support for Brown’s release has gained national attention.

Activists, lawmakers and celebrities, like Kim Kardashian West, Elizabeth Banks and Amy Schumer, have encouraged the governor to grant Brown clemency.

In 2006, Brown was convicted of first-degree murder, felony murder and aggravated robbery in the killing of realtor Johnny Allen.

According to her supporters, Brown was a victim of sex trafficking at 16 years old.

Minister Misha Maynard of Cathedral of Praise Church is also stepping up on Brown’s behalf.

“We have the power to speak to her release And as a minister I don’t condone taking another person’s life. I believe justice has been served,” said Maynard.

Last month, Haslam granted clemency to 11 people and Brown was not on the list.

“This barbaric, heathen-ness way that we treat children and call ourselves reforming juvenile justice is a joke,” said Hardaway.

Brown, now 30, has earned an associates degree while serving her life sentence.

Supporters believe Governor Haslam has the opportunity to do what is right, to grant Brown a do-over.

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