Amanda Knox 'Lucky' Italy Doesn't Have Death Penalty, Says Prosecutor
In the final days of the Amanda Knox trial, an Italian prosecutor made a last effort Friday to keep the American student, convicted of murdering her British roommate Meredith Kercher, behind bars.
The prosecution, which has argued for Knox’s 26-year sentence to become a life term, told the court that Knox was “lucky” that Italy does not have the death penalty.
The prosecution also addressed the widespread criticism that a motive has yet to be established for the murder of Kercher.
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Prosecutor Manuela Comodi told the court today:
“Motive? Why do mothers kill their children? Why do young people burn a bag-man? Why do kids bully a handicapped kid in class? There are lots of examples I can bring.”
She added, “They are young, and they killed for nothing, for no reason. Meredith was young too. I ask that they be given the maximum sentence, which luckily in Italy is not the death penalty.”
A lawyer for the Kercher family will also present a rebuttal in court today.
Knox was convicted of murdering her 21-year-old British roommate in 2009. The key evidence that was used to convict Knox stemmed from DNA tests that linked her to a knife with had Kercher’s DNA on the blade.
The defense has been rigorously fighting to release Knox based upon the report of an independent forensic expert, which suggested that the DNA evidence was flawed and could have been contaminated.
A verdict in the appeal case will mostly likely be delivered on Monday. The verdict will be reached by six jurors and two judges and is dependent upon a majority vote.
If the votes are evenly split, Knox and her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito will be acquitted.
