FLORENCE, Italy—Amanda Knox is set to make a personal appearance in an Italian court on Wednesday to defend herself in a slander case that could clear her name once and for all, following her acquittal nine years ago in the 2007 murder of her British roommate, Meredith Kercher.
Despite the conviction of a man whose DNA and footprints were found at the crime scene, and a 2015 ruling by the highest court in Italy exonerating Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, doubts about her involvement still linger, especially in Italy, among members of Kercher’s family, and for the innocent man she falsely accused. This is partly due to her initial accusations against the owner of a bar where she worked.
Here are the main details of the case:
Who Is Amanda Knox?
Knox was a 20-year-old student who had recently moved to the university town of Perugia when her roommate, Kercher, was found dead in their shared apartment on Nov. 2, 2007. The case gained worldwide attention as suspicion fell on Knox and Sollecito, with whom she had just started a relationship. Knox was dubbed “Foxy Knoxy” in headlines around the world, fueled by sensational images of her and Sollecito outside the crime scene and in a store buying underwear for Knox, whose apartment had become a crime scene. Knox and Sollecito were initially convicted but were ultimately acquitted by Italy’s highest court in 2015 after a series of legal battles.
What Is the Slander Case?
Knox was accused of slandering the Congolese bar owner who employed her part-time, based on statements she signed during a lengthy police interrogation just days after the murder. She later recanted these statements in a handwritten note, citing confusion during the questioning. The slander conviction was overturned by the European Court of Human Rights, leading to a new trial focusing on Knox’s handwritten statement.
Who Is Patrick Lumumba?
Patrick Lumumba is the Congolese bar owner who employed Knox part-time. He was wrongly held as a suspect in the murder based on Knox’s initial accusations. Lumumba has since joined the prosecution as a civil party and maintains his belief that Knox played a role in the crime.
Who Is Rudy Hermann Guede
Rudy Hermann Guede was convicted of Kercher’s murder in a fast-track trial. He initially denied Knox’s involvement but later blamed her. Guede was released from prison in 2021 after serving 13 years of a 16-year sentence. He is currently under investigation for allegations of abuse.
Who Was Meredith Kercher?
Meredith Kercher was a 21-year-old student from the University of Leeds who was living in Perugia. Described as calm, sweet, and shy by friends, Kercher was found dead with her throat slashed in her locked bedroom.
How Did Knox Rebuild Her Life
Knox returned to the United States after her acquittal in 2011 and has since been advocating for criminal justice reform. She is now a mother of two, hosts a podcast, and has a TV series in development based on her book. Knox also shares her story on resilience and is pursuing a career in comedy.
By Colleen Barry