Marissa Alexander released from jail

Marissa Alexander, the Florida mother whose case became a rally for anti-racism and survivors of domestic violence, was released today after three years of incarceration.

Marissa Alexander released

Alexander had faced up to 60 years in prison for firing a warning shot against her abusive husband, who she said was trying to attack her.  Unable to convince a jury, Alexander was previously convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2012.

Her case was subsequently overturned and she was granted a new trial. Having pleaded guilty to assault in exchange for credit for time served, she will be subject to two years of electronic monitoring and house arrest, except for approved appointments and employment.

Demand for justice

Alexander’s case sparked a debate on unequal treatment within the criminal justice system in dealing with brown and Black people and women.

The Free Marissa Now Mobilization Campaign and The Monument Quilt wrote on Facebook that “350 quilt squares containing stories from survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault will blanket the Duval County Courthouse lawn to let Jacksonville and the world know Marissa is NOT ALONE.”

Fundraiser

A fundraiser on Alexander’s behalf exceeded its goals, raising $58,297 from 1,122 backers on the site GoGetFunding.

“We have always believed that forcing Marissa to serve even one day in prison represents a profound and systemic attack on black women’s right to exist and all women’s right to self-defense,” the Free Marissa Now Mobilization Campaign said in a statement after Alexander’s plea deal.

The incident took place in 2010, nine days after Alexander, now 34, gave birth to a daughter. Alexander testified that her estranged husband, Rico Gray, had physically abused her several times and that on that day, he threatened to kill her. No one was injured, but a jury convicted her in about 12 minutes.