By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
The story of Marissa Alexander is one that garnered a lot of media attention as many felt it was completely unfair for the black woman to be sentenced to 20 years for firing a warning shot at her alleged abusive husband. The situation went down in the very shaky state of Florida, and she was put behind bars after she was told the controversial Stand Your Ground Law could not be used in her defense.
Marissa claimed she felt her life was in danger once her husband began to attack her, so she fired off a warning shot. But when she tried to cite the Stand Your Ground Law and claimed the shot was only self-defense, she was shut down by the judge who decided to throw out her self-defense claim.
After George Zimmerman was found not guilty of Trayvon Martin’s murder, many began to fight even harder for Marissa’s release.
Thankfully, the Associated Press confirms that Marissa was released on bond just in time for Thanksgiving. She was released from jail Wednesday and she must remain on house arrest as she awaits a new trial.
Marissa got to spend the holiday with her family, but considering the history of Florida’s weak court systems, it’s clear that none of Marissa’s supporters can get too comfortable just yet.
I pray that she gets justice.
I hate Florida.
Cosign. I have lost all faith in the florida justice system!
I’m glad she got to spend the holiday with her family. I will keep her in my prayers even though I’ve lost all hope in Florida.
She should have never been in jail in the first place. 20 years? Really? Florida is a hot a-s mess.
Still praying!
This story makes me so mad. I’m just praying she gets the justice she deserves. It was a damn warning shot and he was abusive. What is going on in Florida?
I just don’t trust Florida.
Praying for her.