Marissa Alexander, the Florida woman who made national headlines after being sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot to fend off her abusive husband, is now a free woman.
Alexander was released Tuesday, Jan. 27 via a plea deal that confined her sentence to the three years she had already served.
Initially, the 34-year-old mother of three was sentenced to 20 years back in 2012, but that conviction was overturned. She faced a second trial that could have put her away for up to 60 years before agreeing to a plea deal in November.
Per the terms of her agreement, Alexander plead guilty to three counts of aggravated assault for firing a gun in direction of her husband in 2010. She must also serve two years of house arrest and wear an electronic ankle monitor. She will be able to work, go to school, and take her children to important appointments.
Overcome with tears of joy that the ordeal was finally over, Alexander thanked her supporters as she left the courthouse and shared her hope for all involved with her landmark case and her plans for the future:
“Today, after the sentence given by Judge Daniel, my family and I will be able to move on with our lives. Although the journey has been long and there [have] been many difficult moments, I could not have arrived here, where I am today, without the thoughts, many thoughts and many prayers of so many people who voiced their support and encouragement. Words can never express my gratitude for those who stood beside me, including my children and family. I am also grateful that Judge Daniel approached this case with such care and diligence. I look forward to the full-time challenge of getting my two teenagers through high school and into college, as well as preparing my 4-year-old daughter for nursery school. My goal is to continue my education beyond my master’s degree and to continue my professional career. Also, I will continue to learn lessons from the events of the past, but I will not live in the past. At the age of 34, life is too short and there’s too much I have to accomplish in the years ahead. It’s my hope and prayer that everyone associated with this case will be able to move on with their lives.”
A few dozen supporters gathered outside the Duval County Courthouse to greet Alexander as she was released. Many expressed their relief that she would finally get to go home.
“I came all the way from California,” said Bridget Duffy. “I got on a plane last night at 8:30 to be with these women who care so much about Marissa Alexander and the injustice that is happening in our country.”
One possible silver lining to Alexander’s ordeal could be that because of her case, the state of Florida has since passed new laws that allow for warning shots under certain circumstances.
