Knox Watch: Guede's Sentence Upheld, Knox Back in Court Saturday
An Italian high court has confirmed Rudy Guede’s 16-year-sentence in the murder of Meredith Kercher, reports CNN. Guede's defense team had successfully reduced Guede's sentence from 26 years to 16 on first appeal. A second appeal was launched in May of this year, but a seven-judge panel on the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation confirmed "16 anni per Guede" yesterday. This was his final appeal.
Meanwhile, Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito are scheduled to appear in court tomorrow on an appeal filed in April of this year. The appeals trial will focus on three main areas: the forensic and DNA evidence gathered at the scene of the crime; the police questioning which elicited a 'confession' from Knox (of which a transcript or recording has yet to be produced; due to Knox's accusation of police mistreatment during said questioning session, she has been ordered to stand trial for criminal slander); and what is described as the prosecution's "contradictory" evidence presented at the year-long trial which concluded in December of last year. In an attempt to overturn her conviction, Knox's defense team may present new evidence gathered from Guede's fellow inmate, Mario Alessi.
The Seattle PI [via Fox News] wonders, "What Does This Mean for Amanda Knox?"
What does the decision mean for Amanda, who was convicted last year? Amanda’s appeal along with her former boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, is currently taking place in Perugia. The decision is not especially positive for Amanda and Raffaele, because it means the Court of Cassation accepted the argument that Meredith was killed by all three people.
... which doesn't make any sense, as Guede's murder conviction was upheld in December 2009.
Stay tuned as the appeals trial drags on and more news trickles down from Perugia.
