UPDATE: Amanda Knox’s conviction overturned by Italian court

2:47 PM: The Associated Press reports that the much-awaited verdict is finally in from Italy, and that the murder conviction of Amanda Knox, who grew up in West Seattle, has been overturned. We’re told paparazzi have been staked out in Arbor Heights, where much of her family lives, so you may see unusual media-type activity in the hours ahead. (Photo added – some of the photo/video turnout we saw there around 3:30 pm)

More to come.

3:04 PM: The British newspaper The Guardian is live-chronicling the verdict’s aftermath on both sides of the Atlantic and says Knox supporters are celebrating at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), where, their reporter writes, “When news of the verdict broke, the sound of fireworks briefly echoed triumphantly over the water.” Knox has remained stateside during this legal proceeding; The Guardian says her lawyer told her about the decision, and she told him she was ā€œvery happy.ā€ The decision also exonerated her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito in the 2007 Perugia, Italy, killing of Knox’s then-roommate Meredith Kercher.

4:46 PM: The Guardian’s ongoing live chronicle includes a statement from Knox, including: “I am tremendously relieved and grateful for the decision of the Supreme Court of Italy. The knowledge of my innocence has given me strength in the darkest times of this ordeal. And throughout this ordeal, I have received invaluable support from family, friends, and strangers. To them, I say: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness has sustained me. I only wish that I could thank each and every one of you in person.ā€ In a separate statement, her family says they are “thrilled” and “grateful” and “want to express our profound gratitude to all of those who have supported Amanda and our family.ā€

8:37 PM: Just before 8 pm, Knox made a short statement to the crews who had been staked out outside the Arbor Heights house. KING5.com has the video up.

49 Replies to "UPDATE: Amanda Knox's conviction overturned by Italian court"

  • wscommuter March 27, 2015 (2:50 pm)

    What wonderful news!!! Justice served, finally. Godspeed and peace to Ms. Knox and her family. I likewise hope the Kirchner family is finding peace of their own following this horrific loss. But I am so glad to see that Ms. Knox’ innocence carries the day for her part in this tragedy.

  • colleen March 27, 2015 (3:00 pm)

    I am very pleased to hear this news. What a nightmare for this family.

  • Alki Resident March 27, 2015 (3:27 pm)

    Amanda, we never doubted you. We love you and your family so much. Congratulations, now go live your life the way you deserve to.

  • Jane March 27, 2015 (3:30 pm)

    Awesome. Hope they leave you alone to live your live in peace now Amanda.

  • RG March 27, 2015 (3:31 pm)

    Wonderful news indeed! It’s been a long road.
    .
    Rest in peace Meredith Susanna Cara Kercher.

  • evergreen March 27, 2015 (3:35 pm)

    It’s about time! I don’t know her personally but have followed that circus act called the Italian court system with horror and disbelief. Poor girl, she has been robbed of so much time. Thank goodness she is now (hopefully) able to get on with her life.

  • Smitty March 27, 2015 (3:38 pm)

    Great news.

  • TitusAndronicus March 27, 2015 (3:39 pm)

    Yes, finally. And the Italian court could have returned this to another appellate court for a retrial, but chose not to, obviously for lack of evidence.
    Their nightmare is over. What a relief for the Knox family.

  • suzanne ws March 27, 2015 (3:46 pm)

    What a relief, in the name of justice and this poor family.

    Amanda — You have conducted yourself with great honor and I am so glad you are part of our West Seattle community. I wish you a good and great life as you move forward, and that you are able to put this tragedy behind you.

  • anonyme March 27, 2015 (3:48 pm)

    Great. One more stupid reason for illegal fireworks.

  • Nothing to Celebrate March 27, 2015 (4:13 pm)

    Still guilty of poor taste and tone deafness. A woman — your friend — was brutally murdered … its ridiculous to have a party and fireworks.

    • WSB March 27, 2015 (4:40 pm)

      NTC, to be fair, I have not seen anything to indicate that Knox herself was at the reported gathering at Salty’s (or at her family’s Arbor Heights house, where we saw a sizable group of TV and photography crews milling, either).

  • Alki Resident March 27, 2015 (4:39 pm)

    ” Its ridiculous to have a party and fireworks” ,says the person who has no clue what this family has been through. Can you imagine having a society blame you for something you didn’t do? She deserves millions of apologies. Im sure Meredith is thought of everyday by Amanda, but having this weight finally off of her shoulders deserves a little celebration.

  • sc March 27, 2015 (4:42 pm)

    Regardless, another family still mourns their loss.

  • Dan March 27, 2015 (4:56 pm)

    Agreed. Setting off fireworks is tacky to say the least.

  • CandrewB March 27, 2015 (5:16 pm)

    She is she free to go back to Perugia and finish her studies?

  • XXX March 27, 2015 (5:26 pm)

    In the photo I see four tv cameras and a still-photographer. Curious as to what makes the Blog presume any of them are “paparazzi.” Did you ask any of them their affiliation?

  • sarah March 27, 2015 (5:50 pm)

    I’d be happy to call them paparazzi! Here comes the circus! Leave Amanda alone alright already. Amanda’s innocence in no way demeans Meridith’s tragic death. Rest in peace. And all you people with nothing better to do than complain: stop it.

  • tlc March 27, 2015 (6:15 pm)

    I am so happy for Amanda and her family. Her ordeal through a corrupt system has been a nightmare for many who have defended her innocence from the beginning. I hope we can all learn something from her. Amanda, you have amazing strength and you inspire me with your grace and intelligence.

  • Nothing to Celebrate March 27, 2015 (6:40 pm)

    Alki Resident, I have every idea what she and the family have been through. I know they are relieved and happy. Of course, the report of a celebration with fireworks in a public venue may be inaccurate; if not, I stand by my statement that it was inappropriate. So there you go, a difference of opinion by someone who has lived through it all, too.

  • Lauren March 27, 2015 (7:16 pm)

    So glad this is over for her and her family – finally. I will toast to you and your freedom and official declared innocence tonight, Amanda!

  • Mtnpeak March 27, 2015 (8:14 pm)

    Glad to hear it.

  • Jtm March 27, 2015 (8:21 pm)

    WSB, you honestly are the BEST! Re: your reply to XXX. lol.

  • Smitty March 27, 2015 (8:44 pm)

    ” So there you go, a difference of opinion by someone who has lived through it all, too.”

    You’ve been falsely accused of murder?

    “A woman ā€” your friend ā€” was brutally murdered ā€¦ its ridiculous to have a party and fireworks.”

    Is *that* what they were “celebrating”? A death? How in the heck do you know how she mourned her death?

  • robert March 27, 2015 (10:00 pm)

    good luck amanda: leave the idiots to their partial thoughts , if they have any left, and get on with your life.

  • Kadoo March 27, 2015 (10:25 pm)

    I’m so happy to hear this news! Hopefully Amanda can live in peace now.

  • Argonautter March 27, 2015 (11:26 pm)

    FINALLY!! Amanda, we never doubted you! So glad this is over once and for all! Wishing peace to the Knox family, the Kercher family and the Solecito family.

  • alex March 28, 2015 (12:05 am)

    What about Raffaelle and how respectful he was after the verdict? Unlike the Knows who set off fireworks! This is Still “the Amanda show”

  • Evelyn March 28, 2015 (8:10 am)

    Wonderful news that this awful chapter in this local family’s life can finally close. Also, please note, that none of the photographers in the photo above are “paparazzi,” and in fact are all local and well-regarded journalists in our community. The photos that WSB blog notes from a day or so earlier were not by our locals.

  • Mr. B March 28, 2015 (8:49 am)

    Anyone who spends 4 years in prison for a crime they did not commit can party all they want. Go Amanda!

  • alice March 28, 2015 (6:29 pm)

    No one knows what you have been through, I hope you live your life in peace.no one has the right to judge, they weren’t there.some people only feel good when they can make others bad. Don’t let them.

  • Rara March 28, 2015 (7:50 pm)

    I’m so happy for her and her family. From what I’ve heard evidence was handled badly. I hope she can finally relax and get along with her life. I feel badly for the poor gal that died and her family. I hope for them to find peace and the real killer.

  • Rara March 28, 2015 (7:57 pm)

    And P.S., this gal deserves fireworks and so does the woman killed. Let us celebrate the fact she was wrongly accused and the poor gal that lost her life. Neither should have happened!

  • Bob from Seattle March 28, 2015 (9:14 pm)

    I am Italian…was visiting in the area where Amanda was incarcerated and used to live near arbor heights…Amanda’s ordeal was something no one should ever have to endure. Not going to judge as psychologically this has had to be difficult. No one has all the facts so move forward no judgement..let’s close this episode of speculation as Amanda will move forward.

  • Mike March 29, 2015 (11:00 am)

    The neighbors must be incredibly excited to hear this is ending.

  • Al March 29, 2015 (1:47 pm)

    The truth came out. She never did any.I’m so happy for her and Raff. All the very best!! It was great helping you!!

  • 2 Much Whine March 29, 2015 (2:16 pm)

    I bet Amanda herself lit off those fireworks. It’s not like she had anything better to do so her playing with pyrotechnics sounds about as reasonable as her murdering her roommate in cold blood. I wouldn’t be surprised if she walked her dog without a leash! What a villain. But seriously, give the girl a break. And for those of you complaining about Italian courts take a moment to reflect on our own court system (think OJ). Haters gotta hate.

  • BJG March 29, 2015 (5:34 pm)

    Can’t even imagine the relief that girl must feel. Welcome home Amanda. So glad we get to keep you without reservations. Time to get on with the rest of your life. I wish you many happy days. Much deserved. You have been through so many sad ones.

  • Meggie martin March 30, 2015 (12:07 am)

    Congratulations Amanda Knox,

    You fooled everyone around you into thinking that you have empathy and you got away with murder. Now you must maintain the fake image you created for yourself and appear innocent in order to make more millions. That’s not freedom. Your hands are covered in blood. I know it, smart people know it and God knows it. It is Him who you have yet to answer to. What do you fear more? Prison or God?

  • Jeff March 30, 2015 (8:59 am)

    @ ‘Meggie’

    Read above comments..
    You are the minority here.
    Amanda Knox is guilty of nothing (but being trolled by you). I suggest you take your freaky pulpit elsewhere.

    MarsOne is recruiting.

  • Meggie Martin March 30, 2015 (11:00 am)

    Jeff, this is why I chose to comment. I disagree with the others including you in their thinking Amanda Knox is innocent. No amount of adoring comments can convince me into believing otherwise. It was my full intention to be the “minority”. Thanks

  • Linda Thorson March 30, 2015 (1:41 pm)

    Meggie, you certainly have a right to your opinion and to state it publicly, but please don’t presume to speak for God. Thanks.

  • pjmanley March 30, 2015 (2:14 pm)

    Who would be so tacky as to celebrate FREEDOM with fireworks? (Besides 300 million Americans).

  • Meggie Martin March 31, 2015 (9:56 pm)

    My personal opinions and beliefs are always in alignment with my God and His word. Linda Thorson, I will only continue to speak boldly about His character. God is at the heart of every matter.

  • Jeff April 1, 2015 (7:13 am)

    @ ‘Meggie’

    I was raised religious but am no longer BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU who think they somehow can call people out and judge them with your holier than thou prose.
    Its is sick. Theres really no difference between you and the nutcases waging war on bloggers and cartoonists.

  • Meggie Martin April 1, 2015 (9:59 am)

    Jeff, you’re no longer religious because a “others”…. like me? I think that’s really sad that you allow other’s behavior including mine to affect your personal beliefs and where you stand with God. You’re too easily influenced maybe? Could that be why you jumped on the Amanda Knox is innocent band wagon? Don’t answer that. Instead, simply ignore me and others who have such a negative influence in you.

  • WSince86 April 3, 2015 (8:23 am)

    Meggie- There is an enormous difference between being ‘religious’ and being spiritual. I, as well, was raised in a religious family, exposed to religious doctrines and will never step foot in an organized religious church again after seeing and experiencing the hypocrisy. I am, however, quite spiritual.
    Isn’t there something in you’re doctrine regarding ‘judge not…..’?

    Congratulations, Amanda!

  • Confused April 9, 2015 (4:29 am)

    It`s very confusing, I dont understand why this case is dragging on since the killer is already behind bars. Rudy Guede did it, it`s so obvius. His dna was all over the room and his story was a classic “I was there but some other people did it” story, laughable. So the killer is in jail, why are people still making noise about this case. And why do I never see one word about Rudy? He did it, he`s in jail and all the newspapers fail to mention him. It`s weird.

Sorry, comment time is over.