marissa alexander

Marissa Alexander, the Florida woman sentenced to prison for firing warning shots during a dispute with her abusive ex-husband, has finally been released from prison.

From a prepared statement, Alexander told supporters:

“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’s 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.”

Alexander was arrested in 2010, just nine days after giving birth, after firing warning shots against her ex-husband. Despite claiming self-defense in accordance to Florida’s controversial ‘Stand Your Ground’ law, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison under Florida’s minimum sentencing guidelines.

Her plight ignited a groundswell of national support. Her conviction was overturned on appeal. However, she faced a retrial and a possible 60-year sentence if convicted. Alexander accepted a plea deal that would put her on house arrest after her release. In total, she has served 1,095 days in prison, with the last 65 being part of her plea deal.

Though Marissa is out of prison, there are more trials ahead. The ankle monitoring system cost $105 a week which totals to nearly $11,000 for the duration of her probation. Supporters have helped raise money towards those costs.

Alexander concluded her statements by telling supporters,

“I look forward to the full-time challenge of getting my two teenagers through high school and into college, as well we 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.”

Photo: Justice for Marissa Alexander/Facebook