Marissa Alexander’s Mother Speaks At Florida Vigil

Prayer to be led before battered woman’s Thursday retrial hearing

The “Stand Your Ground” controversy surrounding Marissa Alexander’s pending prison sentence has become national news, thanks to efforts by her family, friends and attorney.

On Monday, Alexander’s mother Helen Jenkins attended an evening vigil outside of the Jacksonville, Fla. courthouse where her daughter’s case will get a second look by a judge. Alexander’s hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

Jenkins spoke to a local TV reporter about her daughter’s case:

“I don’t think they really listened to all of the facts…I’m not sure they understood what (the fact) meant. There was never a question that (Marissa) fired the weapon. The question was the reason why she fired the weapon. And the only reason why she fired it was to keep him from further attacking her.“

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Alexander’s attorney, Kevin Cobbin, will argue a motion for a new trial at the Duval County Courthouse on Thursday, 8:30 a.m. ET.

Alexander, 31, faces a minimum 20-year prison sentence for using a gun to defend herself against her estranged husband, who has a well-documented history of domestic violence.

To view video of the “News4Jax” report on the vigil, click here.

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