Rogue Prosecutor Targets Knox

Closing argument speaks of 'crescendo of violence'

(NEWSER) - Italian prosecutors pulled out all the stops in closing arguments at the Amanda Knox murder trial, telling the court that the American exchange student killed Meredith Kercher in "an unstoppable crescendo of violence." The chief prosecutor restated his argument that Knox murdered her roommate out of spite because Kercher disapproved of her lifestyle: "She had harbored hatred for Meredith, and that was the time when it could explode," he told the court. More»

(NEWSER) - Murder suspect Amanda Knox averted her eyes and covered her face with her hands in Italian court today as police video of her slain roommate Meredith Kercher was shown, the Times of London reports. The video detailed the bloody crime scene and Kercher’s naked, lifeless body. While the American student looked away, alleged accomplice Raffaele Sollecito watched the footage with a level gaze. More»

Glacial pace, leaked evidence, 'anti-Americanism' draws fire

(NEWSER) - Amanda Knox has served just a few days as a murder convict, but she'll have another year under her belt before an appeal gets under way, and questions about the fairness of her trial continue to pour in, reports the Independent . The open flow of information between cops and journos, the lack of juror sequestration, and sketchy DNA evidence are all dark clouds gathering over Italy's much-maligned and glacial-paced justice system. More»

Italian jury convicts American student of killing roommate

(NEWSER) - Amanda Knox was found guilty today of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher and sentenced to 26 years in an Italian prison. The 22-year-old American, who cried as the verdict was read, was found guilty of 11 counts related to the crime. Co-defendant and former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito was also convicted and sentenced to 25 years. Lawyers for both said they will appeal. More»

American student, co-defendant will learn their fate at 6pm ET

(NEWSER) - An Italian court will announce the verdict in the Amanda Knox murder trial tonight at midnight in Perugia, 3pm in Knox's hometown of Seattle, numerous news outlets are reporting. Knox, 22, has been in custody for the 2-plus years since the death of her roommate, British student Meredith Kercher. Knox's former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito will also learn his fate this evening. More»