The Sun Shines Again in the Sunshine State

In the July 2013 Dome article “Way Out of Control in the Sunshine State,” we first reported the plight and unjust conviction of Marissa Alexander.  The mother of three and a resident of Jacksonville, Florida was sentenced to a mandatory 20 years for firing a warning shot to avert the assault of her abusive husband.  

Ms. Alexander’s case, which was denied the use of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground Laws,” received an abundance of attention in the wake of the acquittal of George Zimmerman and public outcry against Florida's controversial “Stand Your Ground Laws.”

In September’s “A Re-Trial for Marissa,” The Dome was elated to report that Ms. Alexander had been granted a new trial.  It is widely suspected the new trial was granted in response to the efforts of Ms. Alexander’s family and the “Free Marissa Now Mobilization Campaign” an advocate group demanding Ms. Alexander's freedom and the repeal of Florida’s SYG Laws.

Released after more than 3 years, Ms. Alexander spent Thanksgiving with her family.    

Bob Self, Florida Times-Union/AP

Ms. Alexander was issued a date of March 31, 2014 for her re-trial and on Wednesday November 27, 2013, just in time for Thanksgiving, she was released from jail on approximately $200,000 bond.

It appears this Thanksgiving the sun is again shining in the Sunshine State, ... Well, at least in the Alexander household.  Congratulation Marissa.

I'm not hatin, I'm jus sayin...