(NECN: Eileen Curran) – Amanda Knox is a free woman. After nearly four years in an Italian prison, she left in a dark SUV Monday night.
“Knox, Amanda is free and Sollecito, Rafaelle as well.”
Knox collapsed in tears after an Italian court overturned the murder conviction against her. The court also set free her former boyfriend.
The two were convicted of raping and killing Knox’s British roommate, Meridith Kercher in Perugia in 2007.
Kercher’s family looked grim after the verdict.
Knox’ family cried with joy.
“We are thankful that Amanda's nightmare is over. She suffered for four years for a crime she did not commit.”
Local
Before the jury deliberations began, Knox addressed them in fluent Italian.
“I am not who they say I am here -- perverse, violent. I respect life and people and no I haven't done the things that they're suggesting that I have done. I haven't murdered, I haven't raped, I haven't stolen. I wasn't there. I wasn't present on that crime."
A local legal expert believes the jury based its decision to overturn on the discredited DNA evidence, not the emotional appeal.
“While I think her statement was very humble, very emotional obviously, she said she lost her friend she lost her life...I think they had already made up their minds before that statement came out today," said Andrea Levy.
Knox told the court she just wanted to get her life back, but that may not be so easy.
“She'll never be able to move on never, no matter what,” said Elaine Gadson of Boston. “She'll never be able to move on because there will always be that connection.”
“I would think that hopefully she would be able to pick up the pieces and move on,” said Rob Van of Boston,” and have a reasonable life."
