US CITIZEN AMANDA KNOX has been granted a review of forensic evidence used to convict her of the murder of her flatmate, British student Meredith Kercher, the PA reports.
Knox, 23, and her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito are jointly appealing their sentences for killing Kercher.
Meredith Kercher, 21, was found dead with her throat cut in the apartment she shared with Knox in Perugia, Italy, in 2007.
Knox was was convicted last year of killing Kercher in what prosecutors described as a drug-fuelled sexual assault. She was sentenced to 26 years for murder, and Sollecito was given 25 years. Both could see their sentences increased if their appeal fails.
Knox’s family said she was pleased the forensic review was granted. Her mother said Knox was “in shock but happy – this brings hope,” according to the Guardian.
The review of forensic evidence will involve a new team taking new samples, or if that is not possible, they will re-examine the original analysis. The evidence under review includes DNA traces found on the knife allegedly used to kill Kercher and on the clasp of her bra.
The court earlier decided to include all documents, evidence and findings from the murder trial of Rudy Guede, 23, who was sentenced to 16 years last week following the two appeals of his conviction permitted under Italian law. He was convicted of murder and sexually assaulted Kercher and was originally sentenced to 30 years.
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