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Cyntoia Brown, an alleged sex trafficking victim who was convicted of murdering a man who had picked her up and taken her to his home, was released early Wednesday after serving 15 years in state prison.

Her life sentence was commuted by then-Tennessee Republican governor Bill Haslam in January.

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Brown, whose case drew national attention and support from celebrities including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, was 16 when she committed the crime in what she described as an act of self-defense. She admitted shooting Johnny Allen, a 43-year-old Nashville real estate agent, in the back of the head while they were in his bed. She claimed she thought she saw him pulling out a gun.

She told authorities that she was living at the time with an abusive boyfriend nicknamed “Cut Throat,” who, she said, sexually assaulted her and forced her into prostitution.

I am thankful for all the support, prayers and encouragement I have received

In 2006, Brown was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery and sentenced to life in prison.