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Italy Court Frees Amanda Knox

Murder conviction overturned, she and Sollecito walk free

By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 3, 2011 2:58 PM CDT

(Newser) – Amanda Knox's four-year quest to prove her innocence in the murder of Meredith Kercher has come to its dramatic conclusion, with an Italian appeals court today overturning her 26-year prison sentence. Knox appeared extremely emotional while awaiting the verdict, and broke down completely as a judge announced it, reports the AP. The court upheld a three-year sentence for slander for Knox and ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, but they will be freed on time-served.

Meredith Kercher's family was in the courtroom for the verdict. Knox in a tearful final statement earlier today told the court "I did not rape. I did not kill."

Amanda Knox, center, is escorted as she arrives for an appeal hearing at the Perugia court, central Italy, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011.
Amanda Knox, center, is escorted as she arrives for an appeal hearing at the Perugia court, central Italy, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011.   (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Media and people stand in front of the court as they wait for the verdict of  Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito appeals trial in Perugia, Italy, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011.
Media and people stand in front of the court as they wait for the verdict of Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito appeals trial in Perugia, Italy, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011.   (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Stephanie Kercher, right, and Aline Kercher, the sister and mother of slain British student Meredith, speak to reporters in Perugia, Italy, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011.
Stephanie Kercher, right, and Aline Kercher, the sister and mother of slain British student Meredith, speak to reporters in Perugia, Italy, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011.   (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Amanda Knox's mother Edda Mellas talks to lawyer Carlo Dalla Vedova upon arrival for an appeal hearing at the Perugia court, central Italy, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011.
Amanda Knox's mother Edda Mellas talks to lawyer Carlo Dalla Vedova upon arrival for an appeal hearing at the Perugia court, central Italy, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011.   (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Amanda Knox arrives for an appeal hearing at the Perugia court, central Italy, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011. The 24-year-old Knox looked tense as she entered a packed courthouse.
Amanda Knox arrives for an appeal hearing at the Perugia court, central Italy, Monday, Oct. 3, 2011. The 24-year-old Knox looked tense as she entered a packed courthouse.   (AP Photo/Stefano Medici)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 23 comments
Ultraworld
Oct 3, 2011 11:39 PM CDT
Now they have to get rid of that bat shit crazy prosecutor. I think he should spend a few years in a jail cell with a satanist.
DontLikeYou
Oct 3, 2011 9:22 PM CDT
Thank God.
finkster
Oct 3, 2011 7:02 PM CDT
Good....now get the hell out of that country Amanda, and come home to America Back in America Right back where I belong Back in America!!!!

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Italian Courts Face Growing Knox Backlash

Knox Found Guilty of Murder

Verdict Reached in Knox Case

Amanda Knox Judge: She Could Have Killed Meredith

In Knox Verdict, a Victory for Reality


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