A GoFundMe page created to help Cyntoia Brown build a new life after she is released from prison next week has surpassed $15,000.
The crowdfunding page, titled “Cyntoia Brown – Second Chance Fund,” was launched shortly after Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam (R) granted Brown clemency earlier this year.
{mosads}The organizer behind the page said the effort was created to help Brown “start a new life.”
The page also states that the funds are being overseen by representatives for Brown to “ensure all the money raised will be received by Cyntoia.”
“If you would like to donate here, please know that Cyntoia’s representatives are working closely with GoFundMe to ensure all donations are protected and securely placed into a trust fund established for Cyntoia’s use and direction,” the page adds.
Brown, 31, has been serving a life sentence at the Tennessee Prison for Women for the last 15 years for killing a man who she said solicited her for sex at the age of 16.
Brown said she met the man, 43-year-old Johnny Mitchell Allan, at a restaurant in Nashville. Brown, who said she had been forced into prostitution by a pimp called “Kut Throat at the time,” said Mitchell then took her to his place shortly after to have sex with her.
While there, Brown said she grew fearful of Mitchell after he began showing her some of his firearms and talking about his past experience as a sharpshooter.
Brown said she fatally shot Mitchell while he was in bed out of fear after he appeared to be reaching for a gun.
Her case has gained national attention in recent years with prominent criminal justice reform advocates and celebrities including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian West calling for her to be pardoned.