Amanda Knox has vowed to become a fugitive if convicted by an Italian court. The 26-year-old was previously convicted in the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher. However, the conviction was overturned in 2011. In March 2013, the Italian Supreme Court ordered a retrial. Knox’s new trial began in September 2013, and the court is expected to announce their decision on January 30.
On November 1, 2007, 21-year-old Meredith Kercher was found dead in her Perugia, Italy, apartment. Her roommate, Amanda Knox, was eventually questioned about the murder and subsequently arrested. Authorities also arrested her former boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito.
Authorities believe Knox and Sollecito killed Kercher during or after a sexual encounter. Although both suspects maintained their innocence, they were convicted of murder, sexual assault, and tampering with the scene of a crime.
As reported by Huffington Post , Knox spent nearly four years in an Italian jail while a higher court reviewed the case. In 2011, the court found her innocent and ordered her release. Amanda Knox has remained in the United States following her release.
As the retrial draws to a close, Italian prosecutors are requesting a conviction and a sentence of 30 years in prison. Knox said she is afraid, as she was already “in jail for four years without doing anything wrong.” In a recent interview, she was asked how she would react if convicted. Knox responded: “In that case I will be… a fugitive.”
Although the Italian Supreme Court could order her extradition, it is unclear whether the United Government would comply.
Today reports that Knox expressed interest in visiting Meredith Kercher’s family in Italy. Unfortunately, in addition to her apprehension about returning, the family is not interested. They still believe Knox was involved in the murder.
Amanda Knox has gained a lot of support in the United States. However, in Italy many believe she is a cold-blooded killer.