Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito Cleared of Murder By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
In what has turned out to be a very emotional and trying day, a final verdict has been handed down in the Amanda Knox appeals case.
After four years of serving the beginning of what may have been a life sentence in prison for a crime that both Amanda and Raffaele plead they did not commit, both have finally been set free. Amidst a packed courtroom divided between reporters, family, friends and acquaintances, the judge handed down a new verdict of ‘not guilty’ in the charge of murder, however, Amanda was determined to be guilty of defamation, although she has already served time for the charge. It was felt that there was not enough credible DNA evidence to convict the pair for the murder of Amanda’s roommate, Meredith. Amanda pleaded for her life earlier in the day sometimes choking on her fluent Italian words. She stressed her innocence through tears and said she wanted to resume her life and be set free for a crime that she did not commit. Raffaele also received time to give his statement as well and made a powerful plea to be released.
Deliberation took hours and when the decision was finally read, Amanda buckled and collapsed with relief. She was briskly led from the courtroom barely able to walk with her head bowed and tears brimming from her eyes. Both Amanda and Raffaele were taken back to the prison to gather their belongings and fill out paperwork. Amanda will be headed back to Seattle with her family who were ecstatic at the news of her release. They have been by her side through this entire ordeal and today was no exception. They were in the courtroom all day and it was evident that they were overjoyed at the acquittal.
Opinions have been mixed. Many feel that releasing the 24 year old exchange student is the proper decision. However, others outside the courtroom were chanting “shame, shame” with divided opinions and the victim’s family and friends were not in agreement with the decision. Protests were taking place in some areas.
No doubt that Amanda Knox will be grateful for her freedom and exuberant to get back on United States soil with her family within the next day and spend quality time with them.
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