U.S. Student Accused Of "Satanic" Slaying

American Amanda Knox Denies Involvement In Murder Of Her Housemate In Italian Town

(CBS/ AP)  Prosecutors on Saturday accused an American student of fatally stabbing her British housemate in a Satanic rite in Perugia, Italy last year and asked a court to convict and punish an alleged African accomplice with life imprisonment, defense lawyers said.

The American, Amanda Knox, 21, proclaimed her innocence at the closed-door hearing in the Umbrian university town and emotionally accused police of hitting her on the head and calling her a liar during an interrogation, defense lawyers said.

"It was expected" that prosecutors would seek a harsh penalty, said Valter Biscotti, a lawyer for Rudy Hermann Guede, the Ivorian accused in the case.

At his lawyers' request, a fast-track trial is being conducted for Guede. He has acknowledged being in the bedroom where Meredith Kercher's body, stabbed in the neck and lying in a pool of blood, was found in November 2007 in the house she rented with Knox.

Fast-track trials can sometimes result in lighter penalties. But prosecutors asked the court Saturday to convict Guede and mete out Italy's stiffest punishment - life imprisonment. Italy does not have the death penalty.

The court deciding Guede's fate is also hearing arguments to determine if Knox and her former boyfriend, Italian student Raffaele Sollecito, should stand trial for the slaying. A ruling on prosecutors' request for their indictment is expected for the end of October.

All three suspects have repeatedly denied wrongdoing in the slaying, which took place in Perugia, a university town with a large foreign student population.

Knox told the closed court hearing, "Meredith was my friend… I had no reason to kill her," reported CBS News correspondent Allen Pizzey.

Prosecutors at Saturday's hearing "laid out a scenario like from some crime novel," Sollecito's lawyer, Luca Maori, said by telephone after a seven-hour hearing.

Prosecutors "alleged it was some kind of Satanic rite, with Amanda allegedly first touching Meredith with the point of a knife, then slitting her throat, while Sollecito held her by the shoulders, from behind, Guede held her by an arm" and tried to sexually penetrate the victim, Maori said.

One of Knox's lawyers, Carlo della Vedova, told reporters outside the courtroom that prosecutors had laid out "a presumed scenario" with no hard evidence that would justify a trial for his client.

Prosecutor Giuliano Mignini, contacted by The AP, declined to elaborate on his allegations Saturday about the slaying or comment on his request for life imprisonment for Guede.

Another member of Knox's defense team, Luciano Ghirga, described the American as being "disappointed" when the prosecutors pushed for the stiffest sentence for Guede.

The case has received heavy publicity in Italy, in Britain, and in the United States, where Knox is a University of Washington student.

Knox asked permission during the closed-door hearing to make a declaration in English. "She proclaimed her innocence, and got emotional when she recalled her interrogation by police in Perugia," Ghirga said in a telephone interview.

The lawyer denied Italian news reports that she wept while addressing the court, but said Knox was upset as she recounted "the pressure, the aggressiveness of the police who called her a liar."

Maori said Knox also accused the police of hitting her on the head during her questioning.

Italian TV showed a brief, partial view of Knox as she given a microphone to address the court. Only her hands, busily gesticulating as she addressed the court, could be seen. There was no audio.

Knox and Sollecito have been jailed as suspects since shortly after the slaying. Under Italian law, they can be jailed for as long as a year during the investigation. Pizzey reported that there has been increasing criticism over how long the Italian authorities are taking to process the case.

Knox and Sollecito, 24, have given conflicting statements.

Sollecito has said he was at his own apartment in Perugia. He said he does not remember if Knox spent the whole night with him.

Knox has insisted she was not at home during the slaying. But at one point, she also told prosecutors she was in the house the night of the slaying and covered her ears to muffle Kercher's screams while a Congolese man who owns a pub in the town killed Kercher. The Congolese man was initially jailed, but authorities released him, saying he was no longer a suspect.

[harbinger09]

***? If Knox has had no trial yet--then how/why would the Prosecution already try to have a sentence imposed on her? It is Guede''s fast track trial, right? how could they decide to get any sentence for the girl if she has not yet been indicted and she has not been tried yet?

Which is it? A lousy court system or very poor translation and reporting. This article makes no sense. From the article:

"Prosecutors on Saturday accused an American student of fatally stabbing her British housemate in a Satanic rite in Perugia, Italy last year and asked a court to convict and punish an alleged African accomplice with life imprisonment, defense lawyers said. ......The court deciding Guede''s fate is also hearing arguments to determine if Knox and her former boyfriend, Italian student Raffaele Sollecito, should stand trial for the slaying. A ruling on prosecutors'' request for their indictment is expected for the end of October. "

It makes no sense to try the African based on a scenario, by Knox and her boyfriend--but having NOT proven the case yet. How can the police cite conjecture of the murder by Knox in a man''s case--and try to convict the African but may not charge the actual murderers? Beyond stupid.

[luvcanines]

this is one of the sickest stories ever. that poor victim and her family.

[greeneyes222]

We have to get over the idea that just because Amanda Knox is an American, she must be innocent.

She''s subject to Italian law, just as all Americans are subject to foreign law in foreign countries. Other countries have their own system of justice. But from evidence given (including DNA and her own statement), it seems entirely appropriate that she stand trial.

And unfortunately, it seems more than likely that she''s guilty.

[gop_will_win]

What a typical liberal feminist democrat Satan worshipper. I am so glad this trial is set in Italy where real justice will be had instead of America where she would get a slap on the wrist due to her being a woman and set free to murder for Satan once again. This is what feminism and being a democrat is all about, murdering for Satan! Let us never forget that fact!

[cbsguest6]

I''ve been following this case and here is my hypothesis. I will state first that I don''t think any of the accused premeditated this grisly murder.

I do think that Amanda Knox manipulated Guede in such a way that caused him to react. To what extent I''m not too sure. Amanda and Meredith were not the best of friends. It has been reported that there was friction between the two. Meredith, from what I''ve read appears to have been a more orderly tame personality whereas Amanda seems to be careless and free spirited. I think Amanda had intentions of scaring Meredith, unfortunately it went too far. Her boyfriend Raffaele could have had a hand in encouraging Guede as well.

[rushlimbaug4]

What a typical liberal feminist democrat Satan worshipper. I am so glad this trial is set in Italy where real justice will be had instead of America where she would get a slap on the wrist due to her being a woman and set free to murder for Satan once again. This is what feminism and being a democrat is all about, murdering for Satan! Let us never forget that fact!

Posted by gop_will_win at 08:53 AM : Oct 20, 2008

Yes, MUSSOLINI was a GREAT MAN, ITALY WILL Know what to do with the SATAN WORSHIPING DEMOCRAT!!!

Are our CHildren safe when LIBERALZ are allowed to run this NATION?!!@ We need god on our SIDE, ELECT McCAIN if you do not want a TeenAGED knifed wielding LIBERAL satanist KIlling people at random in crowded places of Business!!

May god continue to BLESS AMERICA EXCLUSIVELY!!!

[xalen54]

Either these people are very disturbed or these lawyers have some imaginiation.... I hope it is the lawyers.

[reedtaz73]

Funny how some people spread fear because of the own fears in their hearts and minds...Obama will be president and their is nothing you idiots can do about it. And in the end, you people will stand alone so accept your fate now.
Change will happen with or without you.

[jackp32]

How about a sentence of death by hanging. Opps I forgot. The Pope is against the death penalty and he runs Italy.

[hologram5]

What a typical liberal feminist democrat Satan worshipper. I am so glad this trial is set in Italy where real justice will be had instead of America where she would get a slap on the wrist due to her being a woman and set free to murder for Satan once again. This is what feminism and being a democrat is all about, murdering for Satan! Let us never forget that fact!

Posted by gop_will_win at 08:53 AM : Oct 20, 2008

Yes, MUSSOLINI was a GREAT MAN, ITALY WILL Know what to do with the SATAN WORSHIPING DEMOCRAT!!!

Are our CHildren safe when LIBERALZ are allowed to run this NATION?!!@ We need god on our SIDE, ELECT McCAIN if you do not want a TeenAGED knifed wielding LIBERAL satanist KIlling people at random in crowded places of Business!!

May god continue to BLESS AMERICA EXCLUSIVELY!!!


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Posted by RushLimbaug4 at 09:10 AM : Oct 20, 2008
--------------------------------
This is the biggest spewage of idiocy I have ever heard. Do you really think you will be rewarded in Heaven for this type of hate speach? If so you are DEAD wrong. Jesus preached, "Love one another, this is the greatest of commandments". If you think God is one of hate then you are yours are SADLY mistaken beyond belief.

[nolalou]

What a typical liberal feminist democrat Satan worshipper. I am so glad this trial is set in Italy where real justice will be had instead of America where she would get a slap on the wrist due to her being a woman and set free to murder for Satan once again. This is what feminism and being a democrat is all about, murdering for Satan! Let us never forget that fact!

Posted by gop_will_win

How on earth do you relate this case with feminism and being a ''Democrat''! You are one SICK person who literally blames every bit of bad news on Feminists, Democrats and Liberals! You need mental help!!

[gop_will_win]

This is the biggest spewage of idiocy I have ever heard. Do you really think you will be rewarded in Heaven for this type of hate speach? If so you are DEAD wrong. Jesus preached, "Love one another, this is the greatest of commandments". If you think God is one of hate then you are yours are SADLY mistaken beyond belief.


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Posted by hologram5
========================
Jesus dod not preach to love those who vote democrat. Democrats spit on the cross and worship Satan. Jesus will welcome me with open arms and thank me for my postings on message boards.

[gop_will_win]

How on earth do you relate this case with feminism and being a ''''Democrat''''! You are one SICK person who literally blames every bit of bad news on Feminists, Democrats and Liberals! You need mental help!!


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Posted by nolalou
=====================
Listen any moron can figure this one out. This case has to do with Satanic ritual killing and we all know what type of people do this sort of thing and that is liberal democrats. Then the killer is a female who manipulated a male into helping her and now she is using tears to get out of punishment so that makes her a feminist. Sheesh some people just cant figure anything out for themselves!

[pmaldona]

"Jesus dod not preach to love those who vote democrat. Democrats spit on the cross and worship Satan. Jesus will welcome me with open arms and thank me for my postings on message boards.
Posted by gop_will_win at 09:56 AM : Oct 20, 2008"

1. I''m pretty sure you won''t even find the word "democrat" in the bible.
2. I know plenty of "good christian" democrats that definitely do not worship satan.
3. I do not believe in god but I doubt he''d accept you into his "kingdom" with all the pent up hatred inside of you.
4. You''re pretty twisted if you can turn this into a way of going at "liberal democrats" but you are the exact type of tool that votes for the GOP.
5. Bet you''re scared of the thought of an african-american president as well??? TOUGH! Obama''s going to win, Mccain goes back to his senate seat and Palin disappears into obscurity..The world is good again. =)

[gop_will_win]

You''''re an idiot. Even you know that or you would not be out for nothing more than shock value. You also know that what you have written above is blasphemy which endangers your everlasting life. I hope your lock stepping love for a losing group was worth it.

Now show us some more of what makes you tick. I''''m sure others find you as entertaining as I do. An idiot. . but entertaining.




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Posted by knowhr
====================
God speaks to me and he tells me he hates the democrats.

[gop_will_win]

1. I''''m pretty sure you won''''t even find the word "democrat" in the bible.
2. I know plenty of "good christian" democrats that definitely do not worship satan.
3. I do not believe in god but I doubt he''''d accept you into his "kingdom" with all the pent up hatred inside of you.
4. You''''re pretty twisted if you can turn this into a way of going at "liberal democrats" but you are the exact type of tool that votes for the GOP.
5. Bet you''''re scared of the thought of an african-american president as well??? TOUGH! Obama''''s going to win, Mccain goes back to his senate seat and Palin disappears into obscurity..The world is good again. =)


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Posted by pmaldona
=========================
McCain will win and continue Bushs legacy of restoring hionesty and integrity to the oval office.

[pmaldona]

"McCain will win and continue Bushs legacy of restoring hionesty and integrity to the oval office.
Posted by gop_will_win at 10:18 AM : Oct 20, 2008"

Now I know you''re being sarcastic!! LoL, yea Bush brought much integrity to the White House, that''s why he has the WORST approval ratings of any president in history...The man is the worst thing to ever happen to the presidency of the United States. Whatever you''re smoking, pass it, because I wanna be as blind as you are.

[legacyabq]

haha gopwill win

U really gone over the top on this one

LOLOLOL

[imaghast]

Reality check, gop will win --

God talks to you? What you are trying to pass off as enlightenment usually goes by the name of schizophrenia.

[upto1947]

Obama will set her free.

[gop_will_win]

God talks to you? What you are trying to pass off as enlightenment usually goes by the name of schizophrenia.


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Posted by imaghast
=============================
God has my phone number on his speed dial.

[gop_will_win]

Well that''''s nice. . . . and your dog talks. . . and you hear footsteps in the dark. . .and, well you''''re a sycophantic idiot.




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Posted by knowhr
===========================
The footsteps are those of Jesus.

[proundy-2009]

Individuals who possess high levels of religiosity have been shown to:

(1)Have LESS incidence of mental health problems than an average U.S. citizen (which runs completely counter to the idea that to possess religious faith is analogous to having a mental disorder%u2026)
(2)Live longer (e.g. the difference in average life-span between the religious and non-religious has been estimated to be approximately equivalent to the difference between smoking and non-smoking).
(3)Are more likely than their non-religious counterparts to engage in volunteer, civic organizations (and also, on average, donate more money to charity).
(4)Are more likely to exhibit virtues such as gratitude, forgiveness, and humility
(5)Are generally happier (i.e. possess a more positive outlook on life) than non-religious individuals (which is thought to contribute to (2).)

Please, %u201Cgoogle scholar%u201D any or all of these claims and you%u2019ll find that there are a number of articles published in A-level, peer-reviewed journals (primary by academic psychologists) that verify them. And since at one point in recent history something like 95% of the members of the American Psychological Association said that they did not believe in God, I would say that they are very much credible (and objective) results.

So all of the anti-Christian and anti-religion nonsense on this board is just that %u2013 nonsense. (Or maybe it%u2019s remorse for what you%u2019re missing out on%u2026)

[rematenaj]

How did this turn into a political/religious argument? This is about a murder case in Italy. Some of you need to get a grip and take your discussion somewhere more appropriate.

[G H M]

My prays are for the Parents.

Some of you just came from a Palin rellie - didn''t you.
Terrorist, kill, Moslin, tax,
Get a Live!!

[drputt45]

OK, I have been out of the circle for a while, when did people stop blaming WalMart for all the world''s troubles?

[gop_will_win]

How did this turn into a political/religious argument? This is about a murder case in Italy. Some of you need to get a grip and take your discussion somewhere more appropriate.


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Posted by rematenaj
======================
The killing was a satanic ritual einstein.

[gop_will_win]

Yeah? If that is the case you had better run. I thought his return was to punish the evil. I guess you qualify.



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Posted by knowhr
====================
You guessed wrong.

[G H M]

listenupfool, yes I might be illiterate , sorry about that.
Still
My prayers are with the Parents.

Some of you just came from a Palin rellie - didn''t you.
Terrorist, kill, Moslin, tax,

Get a Life!!
Are you really better off because of the last 8 years!
Whats it take for you to learn?

[Netterz]

I guess I just dont get why under ANY news story, regardless of its content, turns into some idiotic political argument, that has no baring on the article. Why cant all of the living room armchair pundits stick to the political section?

[G H M]

I hope for her parents sake she is innocent and is freed

gop_will_win ,
I worried about you.
Remember, Take Your Pills,

[jennasmith2]

Inquisition is alive & well in Italy.... still

[bobnjersey]

[Individuals who possess high levels of religiosity have been shown to: (1)Have LESS incidence of mental health problems than an average U.S. citizen ... So all of the anti-Christian and anti-religion nonsense on this board is just that %u2013 nonsense. (Or maybe it%u2019s remorse for what you%u2019re missing out on%u2026)]
[Posted by proundy at 12:27 PM : Oct 20, 2008]

so ... did the study say there wasn''t any instances of mental issues for either group? it said there are fewer instances, correct?

[sethw76]

Why are you people arguing politics here? This doesn''t have anything to do with politics. Go and troll on another news story.

[proundy-2009]

bobnjersey:

I was not arguing that there are no mentally ill religious people, but simply that it has been shown that, on average, the religious are more mentally healthy than the non-religious. Which, as I said previously, runs completely contrary to the idea that to have belief/faith is akin to having a mental disorder.

[tipsyinct]

also just wanted to say, that is one HOT alledged murderer!!

[presjfk]

She is way too hot to be guilty.

[loon0519]

"Inquisition is alive & well in Italy.... still"

The Inquisition was Spain not Italy ignoramus.

[slim1h2o]

"Inquisition is alive & well in Italy.... still"

The Inquisition was Spain not Italy ignoramus.

Posted by loon0519 at 06:11 PM : Oct 20, 2008


Yeah, but the same happened in Rome.
And else wheres......

[juliemd]

Well, I was going to make a comment here, but I can''t top the craziness! There must be something up with the planets, or aliens, or something...

[squeakof2006]

I just wonder, if she did it, why the Italians are so slow to prosecute? This sounds wrong. It''s like they want to make an example, so why not use the "outsiders"? Oh, and America isn''t exactly popular right now... hmmm... It should make one wonder...

[collegedudeu]

An American
A Brit
A black African

Does it disturb anyone else that the three suspects also happen to be the three most hated demographics in Italy?

[stopsocialis]

Hey newster1, were you involved in this?

[stopsocialis]

[Well, until one redneck E- van-jelly-cul slithers from beneath a rock to tell me the he KNOWS Satan exists. No proof. He jist knows it.]


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Posted by jMcGilvray at 12:46 AM : Oct 21, 2008

The proof comes out in people like you, who are indirect servants of satan and don''t even know it.

[barbaram99]

Have ye forgot the witch burnings the like the earty days in New Endland...Yep, They happened.. Mostly the handicapped,metally ill. Church as blood on her hands and nobody dare say nothing agaist that. Have read about it. IT HAS NEVER ENDED, And wont as long ye suport such acts..

[barbaram99]

The actile has the word satanic in in. Therefore the 2 forces are good and evil. Clean the church up. Find out why she as she did, wHAT THEY LEARNING TO DAY.