DiscoverCrime JunkieSURVIVED: Cyntoia Brown from Nashville
SURVIVED: Cyntoia Brown from Nashville

SURVIVED: Cyntoia Brown from Nashville

Update: 2024-09-268
Share

Digest

This episode of Crime Junkie dives into the story of Centoya Brown, a young woman who was convicted of murder at the age of 16. The episode begins with the discovery of Johnny Allen's body in his bedroom and the subsequent investigation that led to Centoya's arrest. We learn about Centoya's troubled past, including her difficult childhood and her relationship with her abusive boyfriend, Cut. Centoya's account of the night of the murder is presented, where she claims she shot Johnny in self-defense after he became aggressive. However, police find inconsistencies in her story and believe she killed Johnny while he slept to rob him. Despite Centoya's age, the prosecution plans to transfer her to adult court, which carries a harsher sentence. The episode details Centoya's trial and conviction, where she is found guilty of first-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated robbery. She is sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 51 years. The episode then follows Centoya's transformation in prison, where she earns degrees and writes a book. However, her appeals are rejected. The #FreeCentoyaBrown movement gains momentum, fueled by public awareness of Centoya's story and changing attitudes towards victims of human trafficking. Supreme Court decisions regarding juvenile sentencing also play a role. Centoya's team requests clemency from the governor, and the parole board is split on their recommendation. Ultimately, the governor commutes her sentence to 15 years. The episode concludes with Centoya's release from prison after serving 15 years and reflects on her transformation and the impact of her case on the criminal justice system.

Outlines

00:00:00
Centoya Brown's Story: From Conviction to Clemency

This episode tells the story of Centoya Brown, a young woman who was convicted of murder at 16 and later released after serving 15 years due to public outcry and legal developments. The episode explores the events leading up to the murder of Johnny Allen, Centoya's troubled past, her trial and conviction, her transformation in prison, and the #FreeCentoyaBrown movement that led to her release.

00:01:16
The Murder of Johnny Allen and Centoya's Arrest

This chapter details the discovery of Johnny Allen's body, the investigation that led to Centoya's arrest, and the initial charges against her. Centoya's account of the night of the murder is presented, where she claims she shot Johnny in self-defense. However, police find inconsistencies in her story and believe she killed Johnny while he slept to rob him.

00:07:45
Centoya's Trial, Conviction, and the #FreeCentoyaBrown Movement

This chapter covers Centoya's trial and conviction, where she is found guilty of first-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated robbery. She is sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 51 years. The chapter also discusses Centoya's transformation in prison, her rejected appeals, and the rise of the #FreeCentoyaBrown movement.

00:15:18
Centoya's Clemency Hearing, Release, and Reflections

This chapter details Centoya's clemency hearing, where the parole board is split on their recommendation. Ultimately, the governor commutes her sentence to 15 years. The episode concludes with Centoya's release from prison after serving 15 years and reflects on her transformation and the impact of her case on the criminal justice system.

Keywords

Human Trafficking


The illegal trade of people for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Victims are often coerced, deceived, or forced into situations where they are exploited for profit.

Juvenile Justice


The system of laws, courts, and procedures that deal with young people who have committed crimes. It aims to rehabilitate and protect youth while holding them accountable for their actions.

Clemency


A form of executive pardon that reduces or commutes a sentence. It is granted by a governor or president and is often used in cases where there are mitigating circumstances or new evidence.

Commutation


A reduction in the severity of a sentence, often from a longer term to a shorter term or from a harsher punishment to a less severe one. It is a form of clemency that can be granted by a governor or president.

Parole


The conditional release of a prisoner from prison before the completion of their sentence. It is typically granted by a parole board and is subject to certain conditions, such as good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs.

Trauma-Informed Care


An approach to care that recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals and seeks to provide services that are sensitive to their experiences. It emphasizes safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment.

Mandatory Minimums


Laws that require judges to impose a minimum sentence for certain crimes, regardless of the circumstances of the case. They can lead to disproportionately harsh sentences, particularly for young offenders.

Q&A

  • What were the circumstances surrounding the murder of Johnny Allen?

    Johnny Allen was found dead in his bedroom, shot in the head. Police initially believed it was a homicide, but Centoya Brown, who was found at a motel with Johnny's belongings, claimed she shot him in self-defense.

  • What was Centoya's background and relationship with Cut?

    Centoya had a troubled childhood, including being raised by a drug-addicted mother and being adopted at a young age. She was involved in sex work and had an abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Cut.

  • What was the outcome of Centoya's trial?

    Centoya was found guilty of first-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated robbery. She was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 51 years.

  • How did public sentiment and legal developments impact Centoya's case?

    The #FreeCentoyaBrown movement gained momentum, fueled by public awareness of Centoya's story and changing attitudes towards victims of human trafficking. Supreme Court decisions regarding juvenile sentencing also played a role.

  • What was the outcome of Centoya's clemency hearing?

    The parole board was split on their recommendation, but the governor ultimately commuted Centoya's sentence to 15 years. She was released from prison after serving 15 years.

  • What are the implications of Centoya's case for the criminal justice system?

    Centoya's case highlights the need for trauma-informed care and the importance of recognizing victims of human trafficking. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of mandatory minimums and the fairness of juvenile justice.

Show Notes

This case was originally told in an episode released in January 2022, but we pulled Cyntoia's story to be one of sixteen episodes from the archives we'll be bringing you every Thursday now through end of year... for good reason! We highly recommend you listen to each episode between now and end of 2024, and follow us on Instagram @crimejunkiepodcast so you're the first to know what's coming next! <3  

When police find their suspect for a homicide only days into their investigation, it appeared to be a straightforward case. But once a connection between the victim and the suspect was uncovered, it quickly became anything but. 

Sources for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit: https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/survived-chrystul-kizer-cyntoia-brown/ 
 

Did you know you can listen to this episode ad-free? Join the Fan Club! Visit crimejunkie.app/library/ to view the current membership options and policies. 

Don’t miss out on all things Crime Junkie!

Crime Junkie is hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. 

Text Ashley at 317-733-7485 to talk all things true crime, get behind the scenes updates, and more!

 

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

SURVIVED: Cyntoia Brown from Nashville

SURVIVED: Cyntoia Brown from Nashville

audiochuck