Amanda Knox to face retrial over Meredith Kercher’s murder

The Italian Supreme Court has ruled that the acquittals of both Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend, Rafaelle Sollecito, for the brutal murder of student Meredith Kercher in 2007 will be overturned. They will both now face a re-run of their appeal.

The pair spent four years in prison before being released after an appeal in 2011. The Appeals Court criticised the fact that DNA evidence used to convict them was flawed and no murder weapon had been found. Knox and Sollecito had originally been sentenced to 25 and 26 years in prison for the sexual assault and murder of Meredith Kercher prior to the appeal.

Amanda Knox is currently living in Seattle. Although Italian law cannot force her to return to Italy for the review of her appeal it can attempt to have her extradited should she be convicted.

Knox gave a statement in which she said: “It was painful to receive the news that the Italian Supreme Court decided to send my case back for revision when the prosecution’s theory of my involvement in Meredith’s murder has been repeatedly revealed to be completely unfounded and unfair”.

She added: “No matter what happens, my family and I will face this continuing legal battle as we always have, confident in the truth and with our heads held high in the face of wrongful accusations and unreasonable adversity”.

Knox’s lawyer has called the decision for a re-trial “shocking”, adding that “she thought the nightmare was over”. He has said it is unlikely that the new hearing will occur before 2014. 

Miss Kercher’s sister, Stephanie, has said that she is pleased with the decision. She said: “Whilst we are not happy about going back to Court, and it will not bring her back we have to make sure we have done all we can for her.”

Molly Kersey