Amanda Knox: Judges Reveal Details That Led To Guilty Verdict

Amanda Knox was arrested and convicted in the death of 21-year-old student Meredith Kercher. Although Knox has maintained her innocence, the Florence, Italy, appellate court is convinced otherwise. Three months following their controversial decision, the Italian judges have outlined their reasoning behind the guilty verdict.

On November 2, 2007, Kercher was found brutally murdered inside the Perugia, Italy, apartment, which she shared with the defendant. Three days later, police questioned Knox and her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito.

Knox initially admitted that she was in the apartment during the attack. As the interrogation continued, she eventually identified bar owner Patrick Lumumba as the sole perpetrator in Kercher’s death.

Although Lumumba was arrested and incarcerated, he was released within two weeks. Authorities said the bar owner had a corroborated alibi for the evening in question.

Lumumba later filed and won a civil lawsuit against Knox. He was awarded the equivalent of $54,000 in damages.

As reported by CNN, Knox later stated that she was “very doubtful of the verity of her statements because they were made under the pressures of stress, shock, and extreme exhaustion.”

In July 2008, Italian authorities arrested Amanda Knox, Raffaele Sollecito, and Rudy Guede. The third suspect was identified as his DNA was discovered at the scene of the crime.

In October 2008, Guede was found guilty of murder during a “fast-track trial,” per his request. He was initially sentenced to 30 years in prison. However, his sentence was later reduced to 16 years.

In December 2009, Knox and Sollecito were also found guilty in the murder of Meredith Kercher. Knox was sentenced to 26 years in prison and Sollecito was sentenced to 25.

In October 2011, Knox and Sollecito’s convictions were overturned in an appeal. Although Knox was allowed to return to the United States, the Italian Supreme Court demanded a retrial in March 2013.

As reported by CBS News, Knox refused to return to Italy for another trial. However, she and Sollecito were both found guilty by the appellate court In January. Three months later, the judges have outlined their verdict.

The judges said Knox killed her roommate following a bitter argument over money. They further concluded that Kercher was attacked by Knox, Sollecito, and at least one other person.

Although they said that two different knives were used in the attack, the judges believe Knox delivered the fatal wound.

In their written report, the judges suggest Kercher, Knox, Sollecito, and at least one other person, were gathered in the apartment using drugs on the night in question.

The guilty verdict will now be reviewed by the Supreme Court of Cassation. If the verdict is confirmed, Amanda Knox will face extradition.

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