UPDATE - December 22, 2009:

Rudy Guede, the Ivory Coast native who was convicted of the same murder and sexual assault as Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito, had his sentence nearly cut in half on appeal Tuesday, from 30 years in prison to 16.

This reduction is good news for Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito who will more than likely have their appeals heard next fall. It will be interesting to see if these two also achieve a reduction of their sentences.

Source info for above: http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/12/22/hope-for-amanda-rudy-gets-sentence-reduced/?test=latestnews

Amanda Knox Verdict - An Opinion

Amanda Knox is more than likely going to be in Italy for quite some time. Will the State Department get involved? Probably not. The United States of America is offering Ms. Knox the same services allotted any American, in any prison, in any country, in the world, outside of American jurisdiction, the use of the Counselor Corp..

From her multiple stories as to what she and her (ex) boyfriend were doing the night of the murder, to her ex-boyfriend not being able to remember if she stayed all night or not, to oddities about the break in, to her poor choice of clothing worn to court, to her stone-cold demeanor presented in the courtroom during the time of the trial, to her theatrical final comments made to the jury, Amanda Knox failed herself.

I found it hard to believe her parents didn't counsel her as to proper etiquette in the courtroom itself. Or, if they did, one must wonder what did they counsel her about? I also find it hard to believe her attorneys did not prep her for presentation (dress, act, etc.) within the courtroom.

I'm sure it came as a big shock to be facing the long prison sentence, rather than an array of television cameras and the press, and then flying home to America, to million-dollar deals.

She is not the first American to be imprisoned in a “foreign” country, nor, will she be the last. Being naive about the laws and customs and culture of a country outside the United States can and has proven to be very serious. Ms. Knox and her parents have presented themselves in an ethnocentric manner.

This murder was not committed in the U.S. Therefore, she was not tried under U.S. Law. She was tried under the laws of Italy. Attempting to be politically-correct in another country based on American law is foolish, at best. Taking aim on how the DNA evidence was processed, how the jury was permitted to freely read newspapers about the trial, in, fact, taking aim at the entire Italian process may, in the long run, not be fruitful.

I blame the University of Washington and her parents for sending this young girl into a foreign country without any clue as to how to act, present yourself, a grasp of the laws and legal rights available, about the culture and the customs. As, foreign visitors to any country the most important words one must keep in mind when stepping onto foreign soil are “be respectful.” And, the people of Italy were given no respect. The victim, Meredith Kercher was hardly ever mentioned.

The spotlight was on Amanda Knox, both in the press, and on the Internet. The thirst of what is popular by the American public has moved on, and, like it or not Ms. Knox, by public-opinion, is yesterday's news, page-hits are declining, news stories are less, and the public interest overall is fading.

Ms. Knox had better settle in for the long-haul.

These are just some thoughts I've had as I've followed this trial. You may agree, or, you may not agree, but, I felt compelled to write this today. It's simply my opinion based on what I got out of reading between the lines...

And, I agree with the Kercher's that this was no triumph, a no-win for anyone.

And, I certainly sympathize with Amanda Knox's parents. It's going to be a long road home.

added on 12/16/09

I recently was told my opinion was cold. There was a murder, there was a trial, there was Meredith Kercher. Let's not forget the victim. I wasn't there. Amanda Knox was. Only Amanda knows for sure. In an appeal, we can only watch as the truth will set the "just" free.

I take no sides, except the side of Meredith Kercher.

The above diagram and photo show where the murder took place.  The BBC has published a timeline regarding the murder:  Read the entire BBC article (cut & paste link):                          http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8394110.stm?ls

Update 5 12/4/09 - 630pm EST

Amada Knox and Raffaele Sollecito were both found guilty of the murder of Leeds College student Meredith Kercher. Knox was sentenced to 26 years, and Sollecito received a sentence of 25 years. They were ordered to pay One Million Euros, each, to Meredith's parents, and 800,000 Euros to her siblings.

UPDATE 4 430pm EST 12/4: Court resumes at midnight (6pm EST)

A half hour ago Knox and Sollecito were summoned back into the courtroom. It looks like it could be the verdict....The court will resume at midnight (6pm EST).

Update 3: 12/4

Knox family prepares two statements - one for guilty, one for not-guilty

The Knox family has prepared two statements. One statement is in case of a guilty. The other is in case of not-guilty. If Knox is found guilty a brief statement will be read in front of the courthouse and no questions will be answered.

If Knox is found not-guilty the family will hold a news conference one hour after the verdict at the Brufani Hotel in Perugia. Her sister Deana will read the statement and then the family will take questions.

Throughout all of this I keep wondering about Raffaele Sollecito, Knox's co-defendant. Is there anyone there to support him. Where is his family. There has been no mention that I could find regarding the Sollecito family.

The family of Meredith Kercher flew to Perugia today to be present when the verdict is read.

It is being reported that, in addition to Amanda Knox being tried for murder, she is also being tried for falsely accusing her former boss at a Perugia (Italy) nightclub.  She could be sentenced to a maximum of 12 years if convicted on this charge.

Right now the jury is in session deciding the fate of Knox and Sollecito. 

Co-defendant Raffaele Sollecito, charged with murdering Leeds University student Meredith Kercher, along with Amada Knox, made his final plea to the court.

"Why would I want to commit something so horrible as murder?" he said, according to Sky News.

Asking that jurors excuse his faltering voice, the computer studies graduate told them: "You are deciding my life. I am not living a nightmare anymore but something far more dramatic....I have heard that Meredith was murdered because she didn't get on with Amanda and that Amanda is a man-eater - this is all difficult to imagine....I want to understand why I would participate in this murder for no motive. I am not a dog on a lead and I am not Amanda-dependent as the prosecution say....This trial is now finishing and I am asking you to save my life. I know you will because despite everything I still have faith in Italian justice." (end quote from Sky News / Fox News)

Source for this summary: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,579028,00.html?test=latestnews

PM Thursday December 3, 2009: just a comment about the final statement made to the jury by Raffaele Sollecito

Raffaele Sollecito, Amada Knox's co-defendant has not been the high-profile personality Ms. Knox has become. Mr. Sollecito's final comments to the jury came across, in my opinion, as being genuine and sincere.

It would be nice at the end of this long trial if it could be said "justice was delivered." Justice for Amanda Knox. Justice for Raffaele Sollecito. Justice for Meredith Kercher.

The defense attorney for Raffaele Sollecito said this on behalf of Amanda Knox -- the following is a quote from within an article published by Newsweek:

"The jury in Perugia is not sequestered—and can access everything that is written, broadcast, and blogged about Knox—so Italian public opinion really matters. For the most part, the standard portrayal of Knox as a sex-crazed man-eater is a far cry from what those close to her say. On Monday, lawyers for her codefendant, Rafaelle Sollecito, defended her, describing her as open and whimsical, calling her a "naive simple girl" who "did cartwheels in the police station" when she was waiting to be questioned "because reality for her is too strong to deal with." They painted a picture of a young woman who found herself in a difficult situation in a foreign country where she had limited knowledge of the language. Her own lawyers maintain that she was coerced into falsely accusing her former boss of Kercher's murder when they pushed her to "come up with a story." They called her a victim of an investigation that was built on mistakes made early on and carried through, pointing to the fact that the forensic evidence against her is scarce, and there is none in the room where the murder actually took place. "We have countered a bombardment of mistakes and lies," said Dalla Vedova. "You can hide the truth but you cannot replace it with lies." (end quote)

We can only wait for the verdict...

Source information for above summary/comment: "Guilty Until Proven Guilty" http://www.newsweek.com/id/225313

ABC News (USA) is reporting the final arguments will come on December 1 & 2 from the defense-side.  These dates fit into the original released time table for the trial.  The original timetable said the case would go to the jury on Dec. 4.

Different than U.S. Courts, Italian courts schedule everything regarding movement of the trial.  These were the dates originally stated as to being the timetable for the trial.  Different news medias have said that the defense is already giving closing arguments (as of today, Nov. 28).

I have not found anything to confirm such.  Should new information come forth before the scheduled closing statements I will update immediately.

 Knox's parents and step-father were served papers for alleged defamation for saying Italian police abused their daughter before arresting her in the 2007 slaying of her British roommate. The parents say Italian Police harassed and hit their daughter during initial questioning regarding the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher.  The parents elaborated on the questioning in an interview with a UK newspaper over a year ago.  The Italian authorities deny this.  The parents question the timing of the service of the papers being near the end of their daughter's murder trial.

The prosecution has given their closing arguments (11-20) as to why Amanda Knox and her former boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, should receive a sentence of life imprisonment. Additionally, the prosecution has asked for nine months of solitary confinement for Knox and two months for her former boyfriend.

The defense has started their closing arguments and a verdict could come as early as next week.

Knox's parents have already bought her a plane ticket and is planning a big celebration for her return home. The jury is comprised of six lay-people and two judges, for a total of eight jurors.

From reading and studying all the evidence I believe opinion is leaning in the direction of a conviction. There are several elements which have caused this. 1) Knox's multiple stories given police. 2) the media blitz, outside of Italy, which took aim on the Italian justice system as not being rightful or proper. 3) Complaints about the forensic evidence as being tainted through wrongful handling by people at the crime scene, although it has been denied by the prosecution. 4) the no-support given by the parents of Meredith Krucher on behalf of Knox.

I am in no position to make a ruling on this, but, in the end, at least for Meredith, I hope justice is achieved. I hope that justice is also achieved for Amanda and Raffaele. Regardless of the outcome the final word rests with the jury.

On behalf of Amanda and Raffaele, I didn't see in the crime scene evidence enough to say these two young people attempted to change-the-crime-scene. And, more important, is the fact these two were not seasoned criminals. They were college students. It is an overwhelming event to murder someone, and even more of such to alter, cleanup, or cover this type of deed. I do not see where they would have known how.

But, like multitudes of others, this is just another opinion. The jury's duty, void of opinion, is to deliver the verdict. A jury who will decide if Amanda Knox will have a need for the plane ticket her parents have already purchased.

"...Family and friends remain optimistic that the jury will choose to acquit. At least seven family members are expected to arrive in Perugia for the December 1 and 2 closing arguments of Knox's defense and the jury decision afterwards. The jury will begin deliberating December 4, and must decide if they believe Knox and Sollecito are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, as the law prescribes. If the jury acquits, Knox will be released from prison and can take the next plane home (a ticket has already been purchased, family members said earlier this week). If convicted, the eight-member jury will immediately give sentences and establish compensation." (quote from the source article)

Source Information for 11/21:

"Prosecutor asks for life sentence for Knox," by Andrea Vogt, Special to SEATTLEPI.COM - 11/20, http://www.seattlepi.com/local/412538_knox21.html

In all the time I've been writing about the ups and downs for Amanda Knox in her murder trial there has not been a moment, as I've written, I wasn't thinking about, the victim, Meredith Kercher. I truly feel I have grossly ignored her in my coverage.

Once, again, "the victim," has been lost in the sensationalism of a trial. In the United States we find mostly all the coverage spotlighting the alleged murderer and her accomplice boyfriend. We constantly hear how the Italian justice system has mishandled the evidence and presented a case involving unbelievable circumstances. The American media has presented Knox as the scapegoat because the Italians had too much into the case by the time they arrested and convicted Rudy Hermann Guede for the murder. He received a 30 year sentence.

The Italian police and the prosecution say Meredith was murdered by Amanda Knox, Rudy Hermann Guede, and Amanda's boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito during a weird sexual game, which Kercher refused to participate in.

I feel rather sick about the fact the American news media has focused on "poor" Amanda Knox being "the victim," because she is an American. I have come to believe nothing could be further from the truth. I'm not saying she's guilty, and I'm not saying she's not guilty, but, our national media has all, but, been void about the real victim, a vibrant young woman with all her future in front of her, viciously murdered in an apartment she shared with Ms. Knox.

Here's a couple of things I keep rolling through my mind; "if Rudy Hermann Guede was the sole killer,  why has Meredith's parents not come to the aid of Amanda Knox? Surely, they wouldn't let an innocent young American girl go to prison for something she did not do?"

And, then, there is Rudy Hermann Guede. Why isn't he on trial with Knox and her boyfriend? The reason is he admitted guilt and got a speedy trial in front of a judge (the public is not involved in a guilty-plea trial). He also has said Amanda Knox and her boyfriend were present when Meredith was killed.

And, I keep going back to the footprints found in the apartment -- the ones in blood in the bathroom. Two different footprints.

Knox insists the police assaulted her during interrogation. The Italians say that never happened. For me, I have to keep questioning myself as to when was the last time I heard that the Italian Justice System beats people during interrogations? Have I ever heard that? Never.

It doesn't mean it doesn't or didn't happen. But, I wonder about it anyway.

I just wanted to present some questions, some concerns, some false-hoods, and, more than anything else, I wanted to make note of the fact that Meredith Kercher was a living, breathing, person who deserved none of this.

Meredith has been all but blacked out in the American coverage of the Amanda Knox Murder Trial.

Tonight, I added some pictures to show everyone Meredith was a person too, not just a covered body in a bloodied apartment.

Weekly Summary 9/14-19/2009

This week the prosecution had continue to press about a bloodied foot print found in the bathroom on a rug at the murder scene. It had been maintained by the prosecutor the foot print belonged to Mr. Sollecito. The defense brought in Francesco Vinci, a forensic scientist, who said photographs of the bloody footprint, which was found on a bathroom rug at the crime scene, “absolutely do not match” Mr Sollecito’s feet. Mr. Vinci also stated that the footprint is more in line with the foot print of Rudy Hermann Guede - the man convicted last year for the murder of Ms. Kercher.

It is the prosecution which continues to contend Mr. Guede was assisted in the murder by Ms. Knox and Mr. Sollecito.

Miss Knox, of Seattle, (state of) Washington, wore a grey sweatshirt in court and listened intently as Prof Vinci took the court through the results of exhaustive forensic tests, conducted in police laboratories in Rome.

Regarding the knife which was presented in court 9/19, it was brought in a white box labeled "Evidence Handle With Care," and opened by a court clerk wearing a face-mask and surgical-gloves.

The defense claims the wounds inflicted are not consistent with the shape of the knife.

You must wonder where the knife came from? Police found this knife in Sollecito's kitchen. The handle has traces of Knox's DNA and prosecutors say its blade has Kercher;s DNA. Since all the evidence went to the lab at the same time it may have become contaminated due to mishandling. The amount of DNA on the handle is extremely tiny. Knox and Sollecito say that the DNA probably got there from cooking.

Earlier, Professor Giancarlo Umani Ronchi told the court Meredith's wounds evolved from a "modest size until they ended with more important wounds that determined her death".

As of today, 9/19, the trial has been adjourned until next week.

---Some info for above summary came from:

1)Telegraph.co.uk --By Nick Squires in Perugia: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/6206901/Meredith-Kercher-bloodied-footprint-did-not-belong-to-Amanda-Knoxs-boyfriend.html

2) Tri-City Hearld: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/1154/story/721427.html

3) Sky News -- Nick Pisa, in Perugia --http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Meredith-Kercher-Murder-Trial-Of-Amanda-Knox-And-Rafael-Sollecito-In-Perugia-Italy-Shown-Knife/Article/200909315384600?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15384600_Meredith_Kercher_Murder_Trial_Of_Amanda_Knox_And_Rafael_Sollecito_In_Perugia,_Italy,_Shown_Knife

An interview with Amanda's mom:

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/126957/My-Foxy-s-no-evil-murderer

An interview with Amanda's dad:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8254851.stm

DNA? Third Expert??

The family may be hoping for the "final stretch," but word has it the court and/or defense attorneys are about to bring in a third, and outside expert, to review the DNA evidence, which has been in-question since it was first reported to have been mishandled by police. If an outside expert is called in the expert would have to be given some time to examine the DNA evidence - usually at least 60 days - thus extending this already lengthy trial several more months...

Amanda Knox's defense knocks DNA evidence 9/14/09

http://www2.seattlepi.com/articles/410137.html

Aside from the two month summer recess, the 100 degree plus temps in the prison, now, we find out the Italians hold court mainly on Friday and Saturday, not during the "business-week," as American courts do.

The reason? Because the jurors have jobs they must work at. Jurors are also free to talk about the case and be exposed to outside media coverage. Therefore these two defendants must sit and wait for the "work week" to end before court can begin again.

Friday, 9/25: In court today the defense presented more testimony as to why Knox confessed to "covering her ears" while Ms. Kercher was being murdered. Professor Carlo Caltagirone was giving evidence on behalf of Knox as the final witnesses in the long-running eight-month trial. Caltagirone was giving testimony as to the level of stress Ms. Knox was experiencing during her extensive questioning by police which lasted over 40 hours. He also said that Knox's mental state was further deteriorated by the fact she was being questioned by police in a foreign country, as, well as being questioned in a foreign language.

Caltagirone made note of the fact Ms. Knox with all that was going on would not have been totally clear about her actions.

Ms. Knox was hit and screamed at by police during the 40 hours. Court will resume in the morning.

The Knox / Sollecito Murder trial, for the most part, has concluded. The defense is expected to ask the judge for an outside-review of the evidence, especially the DNA evidence. The judge has it in his power to ok or deny such a request, which has not occured yet. If the request is approved it can add of to 60 days or longer till a verdict is reached. The last of the witnesses have given testimony.

The earliest a verdict could come is November, but, sources say it will probably be after the first of the year in 2010. Sadly, for both defendants, this means they will remain in jail.

"The key evidence in the case is a kitchen knife found in Mr Sollecito’s flat which has Miss Knox’s DNA on the handle of a kitchen knife while Miss Kercher’s DNA was on the tip. The Italian court has also been told Mr Sollecito’s DNA was discovered on a bra clasp belonging to Miss Kercher which was found at the scene.

Defense lawyers insist the DNA evidence has been tainted and cannot be relied upon.

One of the last witnesses, geneticist Sara Gino, told the jury the levels of the DNA on the knife were too low to be considered evidence.

Psychologist Professor Carlo Caltagirone gave evidence about Amanda Knox’s “confession” at the police station. Miss Knox is claimed to have told police she covered her ears to block out the sounds of barman Patrick Lumumba killing Meredith. But Mr Lumumba, 38, is suing Miss Knox for defamation after he was arrested for the murder. He was later released without charge.

Professor Caltagirone told the court Knox made the “confession” because she was under stress after being questioned for 40 hours in four days. He said people in stressful situations can have false flashbacks and say things that are not true." (4)

Sources for October 8 Summary:

(4) This is a direct quote from this article:

Last evidence heard in Coulsdon student Meredith Kercher murder trial: http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/4667076.Last_evidence_heard_in_Meredith_Kercher_murder_trial/

With the defense having ended its presentation and waiting to hear if the judge would grant an outside review of the DNA evidence, both sides are preparing to give their closing arguments beginning November 20.

In a major-loss to the defense was the refusal by the judge to allow for the outside DNA review.

Pictures above show concern on the face of Amanda Knox, whether it be cause by the judge's decision regarding the DNA is unknown, but, regardless its a look of concern.

10/10/09: Amanda's mom interviewed on Good Morning America 10/9. Here is the LINK to the VIDEO interview: http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8789596

10/15/09: Just in case you're asking yourself "why all the "delay" in actually ending the trial?" Here's the answer, "unlike US Courts that just keep rolling through trial procedures, Italian-Courts must have everything 'scheduled.'"

So each side has to abide by the times the court schedules for these procedures. In the US, both sides give closing arguments back to back, but, not in Italy. Everything must have a scheduled appointment...

10/17/09: The parents of Amanda Knox say they urged Amanda to leave Italy right after the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher, but, Amanda insisted she wanted to remain and aid the investigation in any way she could. Little did anyone realize she would be arrested for the murder.

They make note about the "botched" police investigation, including the ideology police had as to this case being a quick open and shut conviction.  The parents believe this "open and shut case" ideology stopped the investigation from all the potential evidence which could have been collected had the case remained open to all possibilities.

Amanda Knox official website set up by her friends:    http://www.friendsofamanda.org/home_eng.html

The videos presented below will give you a good grasp to all the aspects of the trial and a peek at Amanda's prison cell.  

(All videos via YouTube)

Following a two-month recess for summer the Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito, (sol-EH'-chee-toh) ("former" boyfriend) Murder Trial began again this past Monday.

Two years ago, Knox (from Seattle) was a part of a University of Washington Study-Abroad Program. Knox and the murder victim, Meredith Kercher - from the UK on a similar school program, rented a place in Perugia, Italy. It is alledged by Italian Authorities that Knox and Sollecito (Knox boyfriend) met at the rented place the two girls shared and began a "game" involving some crazed satanic sexualness, which resulted in things going too far and Kercher (the Knox roommate) ending up dead.

The evidence against the two is iffy, at best, being breaches occuring in gathering forensic evidence by the Italians. Both defendants, Knox and Sollecito deny all wrongdoing. A third suspect, gathered up and arrested during the initial investigation, Rudy Hermann Guede, of the Ivory Coast, was convicted of killing Meredith Kercher (Knox's roommate) last year and sentenced to 30 years. Knox and Sollecito appear to not know Mr. Guede.

The defense (the court) contends Ms. Knox and Mr. Sollecito assisted Mr. Guede in the commission of the murder late October 31, 2007, or, early November 1, 2007.

Can this 21 year old exchange student from Seattle, Washington get a fair trial? Was it a weird sex encounter gone bad? Why did she tell police different stories about where she was at the time of the murder? Did the main prosecution witness really hear screams and running footsteps from the awful scene on a cold November night with her windows shut?

This story is filled with "ifs."

The prosecutor in this case has his whole career riding on this case. And, he's no "mister goody two shoes." He is so intent on getting a conviction, nothing else matters. He has a deep belief that Satanism was involved. He currently is being investigated for corruption, but, the Italian justice system allows him to continue as a prosecutor.

CBS' "48 Hours" devoted a whole hour and 16 months of investigative work sorting out this whole Amanda Knox thing.

You can watch the entire one-hour "48 Hours" special about the Amanda Knox trial at this website:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/48_hours/video/video.php?cid=927547039&pid=fudmQbC6SovBR0SVXEbzaT1INEo65pZi&play=true&cc=0

Read about the latest developments:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/06/11/italy.amanda.knox.trial/

UPDATE 7/9/2009:

Today is Amanda's 22nd birthday. It is her second in jail. Her parents perdict this will be her last birthday in jail. In the end this trial may cost her parents near a million dollars.

A medical consultant testified Monday in the trial of former University of Washington student Amanda Knox that a knife believed to have been used in the slaying of a British student is "not compatible" with the victim's stab wound, an Italian news report said. The consultant has testified that the knife used had to be a 3 inch knife and not the six and a half inch knife the state contends was used.

Read the latest on the trial as of 7/7/2009: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009426074_knox07.html

UPDATE 7-14-2009: CBS News interviews Amanda Knox's two sisters outside the prison where she has been held for nearly two years pending the outcome of her trial for murdering her roommate.

The video can be seen at: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/07/14/crimesider/entry5158561.shtml

The family of murder victim Meredith Kercher testified in front of the Italian court, reports Barbie Latza Nadeau, as their daughter’s accused killer, Amanda Knox, slumped in her chair.

“It’s not just the death,” said Meredith’s mother. “But the brutality. The violence. And the great sorrow it has caused.”

Full Story by Barbie Latza Nadeau: http://www3.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-06-07/a-mothers-grief-in-perugia/

Story is dated Jund 7, 2009