Amanda Knox Wins Appeal In Murder Case

Posted on Dec 18, 2010 @ 11:00AM

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Amanda Knox has won a critical victory in her battle to overturn the Italian murder conviction against her, RadarOnline.com can report.

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The 23-year-old Seattle native has been granted a full and independent review of the DNA evidence used to convict her and her former boyfriend, Italian Raffaele Sollecito, in the brutal sexual assault and murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher.

Knox and Kercher, who was from the UK, were both exchange students in Italy at the time of her murder. Knox, Sollecito and another man who was tried separately, were all convicted of her murder.

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Knox, her family and attorney have always maintained her innocence. They've insisted the DNA evidence taken from Kercher's bra and a knife believed to have been used to slit her throat was inconclusive and should never have been seen as compelling evidence.

Amanda's mom, who has made frequent appearances on the Today show since her daughter's ordeal began three years ago, cried in open court as the decision was read.

"Finally a little bit of good news," Edda Mellas said.

Knox's request for the DNA review had earlier been denied by a lower court; she's facing 26 years in prison if the conviction stands.

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Two DNA experts from Rome's Sapienza University have been selected to conduct the review which will begin January 15.

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I was shocked that she was found guilty in the first place; the case was weak and implausible. It was obvious that the individual first arrested (who plead guilty to the murder) was solely responsible. A sadistic orgy??? Straight-up, ridiculous.

by tessy
Posted Sun, 12/19/2010 - 4:34pm

She can get the DNA retested, but she can't explain away her footprint in the murder victim's blood........

by VadSanta
Posted Sun, 12/19/2010 - 1:28pm

lock her up with joran.

by BlogDog
Posted Sat, 12/18/2010 - 9:56pm

Motive is irrelevant. As a Criminologist, there's no doubt this was a tainted investigation. In America, that'd provide reasonable doubt. The standard of proof varies worldwide however and so does jurisprudence.

by lawgirl502
Posted Sat, 12/18/2010 - 9:23pm

As a jurist, I think I would have had a hard time convicting because the evidence seemed scant. You want to be darned sure you're locking up the right person. Let's hope the review provides a definitive answer to this.

by amagod121
Posted Sun, 12/19/2010 - 11:12am

FINALLY - some sanity in Italy! Their justic system is a joke AT BEST! I feel so sorry for Ms. Knox. Hopefully she'll be home soon on sane ground! What a frickin fiasco!!!!!

by kk45rp
Posted Sat, 12/18/2010 - 8:28pm

Ms. Knox is a spoiled, over-indulged brat whose divorced parents didn't have time for her over their squabbling.

by dessertgirl
Posted Sat, 12/18/2010 - 10:33pm

But does that make her a murderer? I just want to be sure she is, that's all. Anyone deserves to have all evidence properly examined and it surely doesn't sound like the Italians did a thorough job of it.

by amagod121
Posted Sun, 12/19/2010 - 11:13am

Just look at her face. She has the look of someone who is saying "How dare you call me a murderer? I'm a spoiled brat and I should get away with it. Mommy and daddy will pay themselves into the poorhouse for this little tramp.

by dessertgirl
Posted Sun, 12/19/2010 - 4:19pm