Amanda Knox (Photo : REUTERS/Brendan McDermid )
Italy's Supreme Court has finally announced a decision in favor of Amanda Knox, who had her declared innocence for more than seven years. On Friday, Knox and her co-accused Italian ex-boyfriend have been acquitted the second time for the murder of a Brit exchange student, Meredith Kercher, reported NBC.
The then undergraduate Knox was one of the suspects in the killing of the 21-year old student from Leeds University. Kercher was found half-naked, lifeless and with a slit on the throat in 2007.
Both accused were convicted in 2009, acquitted and freed in 2011. However, they again went to trial after an appeals court overturned the acquittals.
Knox had already spent four years in an Italian jail after the killing and after her conviction for the second time, she was given a 28 1/2 year prison term. Her boyfriend was sentenced to 25 years.
When the now 27-year old Knox learned of Italy's top court decision overturning conviction, she talked about how relieved she was.
"The knowledge of my innocence has given me strength in the darkest times of this ordeal," she said after thanking her supporters and family.
Her family also gave a statement: "We are thrilled with and grateful for today's decision from the Supreme Court of Italy. And we are grateful beyond measure for all that so many of you have done for her."
One of Amanda's lawyers, Ted Simon, had all praises for the family of the Knox and lauded them for their dignity, resilience and faith.
He also has words for the family of the slain British student, "Let us not forget that Meredith was Amanda's friend and I know Amanda and the family wishes you to remember Meredith."
While the family and friends of the exonerated accused are ecstatic, members of the Kercher family and supporters feel the other way. Meredith Kercher's mother was surprised and shocked over the turn out.
"They have been convicted twice so it's a bit odd that it should change now," she was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, a CNN report also mentioned that Knox can now travel back Italy whenever she wants. It will be remembered, however, that during the possibility of the woman from Seattle being extradited if a guilty verdict was ruled, Knox said she does not want to go back willingly.
