Italian Court Finds Amanda Knox Guilty of Murder (Again)
This is ridiculous. Without a single piece of evidence, no DNA or motive, the Italians have done it again.
On Thursday night in Florence, Italy, an appeals court has convicted Amanda Knox and ex-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, of the murder of Meredith Kercher. If you recall, the original murder charges were overturned during the appellate process in 2011 and Knox has since moved back to Seattle, Washington.
[note- before reading the rest of this blog, are you getting our updates via Feedblitz?]
So what do you think? Did the Italian court do the right thing? What is your understanding of the evidence that supports the court’s findings? Share your comments below or here on Twitter.
Despite Knox not being present and residing in the United States, the court sentenced her to 28 ½ years in prison.
Knox called the legal proceedings a travesty and I agree. She is quoted as saying, “I am frightened and saddened by this unjust verdict.”
She further commented, “Having been found innocent before, I expected better from the Italian justice system. The evidence and accusatory theory do not justify a verdict of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. …There has always been a marked lack of evidence.”
My understanding is that Knox’s lawyers in Italy have 90 days to appeal. Extradition proceedings wouldn’t take place, if at all, until after the appeal.
U.S. law clearly states that a person may not be tried twice on the same charge. Taking this into consideration and, based upon a legal analysis, I don’t see the U.S. returning Knox to Italy should a demand be made.
Common sense also tells me that politics will also play a role. The fact of the matter is that there is no evidence linking Knox to this crime. No DNA, no fingerprints and no motive. Currently, a drifter and small-time crook, Rudy Guede, is serving 16 years in prison for admitting to the crime.
Earlier this month Knox commented was asked what she would do if found guilty of this second trail. Her response to the Italian Daily La Repubblica, “I will become… a fugitive.”
It should be noted that Knox asks the public not to forget the victim (Kercher) and her family. “Their grief over Meredith’s terrible murder will follow them forever. They deserve respect and support.”
Once again I ask you, what are your thoughts? What would you do if you were in Knox’s shoes? What do you think should happen in the case?