Detroit man imprisoned in China has new hope with appeal

(WJBK) - Since being given a 4-year prison sentence in China back in June, a Detroit man has new hope.

After an appeal of that conviction, Wendell Brown is just days away from learning his fate.

"I don't want to get too excited because it was heartbreaking. We (lost) the first time," said his mother Antionette Brown-King. "So I'm just staying peaceful, staying prayerful that he'll be home to us soon."

The appeals court recommended his release to the Supreme People's Court of China who has the final decision on the matter. An immediate release or complete the term that ends in September of 2020. 

Wendell was sent to prison after an altercation in 2016. Brown, a star football player from Detroit who played football at Ball State, went to China to coach and teach American football to children. He was involved in a bar fight where he was attacked, supported by video evidence, yet was imprisoned.

"I'm just praying daily that the Chinese Supreme Court will have a heart and release him and return him home to his son and his family," his mother said.

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She has not spoken to her son since 2016 but has been granted a 10-minute video call with him on Monday night.

"I'm very excited about that," she said. "I haven't seen his face for over two years now. To know that he's doing okay in spite of the letters. I want to see my son."

She's hoping for an immediate release and to welcome him back home.

"He said he's been craving some fried chicken," she said. "He said he can't wait for a good meal."