Amanda Knox, who has been served four years out of a 26-year prison sentence after being accused of murdering roommate Meredith Kercher at their rented house in Perugia, Italy in 2009, was released following an appeal court sensationally clearing her conviction.
The 24-year-old American burst into tears as hearing the jury's verdict. According to an Italian lawmaker close to the Knox, she would return home as soon as possible to reunite her family.
In a letter to a foundation that promoted ties between Italy and the U.S. shortly after her freedom, the blond thanked those Italians for sharing “my suffering and helped me survive with hope.”
Amanda Knox cries after hearing the verdict that acquits her of murdering Meredith Kercher, at the Perugia court on October 3, 2011
Her happiness after being released
Amanda Knox's sister Deanna Knox, center, cries after hearing that Amanda was released
After Amanda Knox’s release, her family said in a brief statement: "We respect the decision of the judges but we do not understand how the decision of the first trial could be so radically overturned. We still trust the Italian justice system and hope that the truth will eventually emerge.”
Supporters of Amanda Knox celebrate as they watch a news broadcast about her appeal verdict from a hotel suite in downtown Seattle on October 3, 2011
A dozen of Knox supporters shout “She's free!” and “We did it!” as they watched proceedings from a hotel in Seattle
Knox's mother Edda Mellas looks emotional after the verdict
Knox's father Curt, left, and step-father Chris Mellas, right, talks as Amanda's sister Deanna and mother Edda Mellas celebrate
Knox's aunt Janet Huff also express her happiness after Amanda was announced a free woman
Members of the Knox family including her father (in the blue shirt) and sister (centre) react following the judge's decision
Hundreds of people gather outside the court after the verdict, many of whom oppose the decision to release Knox
Meredith Kercher's mother, Arline, (centre) and sister Stephanie (right) arrive at Perugia's court for the verdict
Meredith's sister Stephanie Kercher wipes away tear as hearing the news that Knox and her ex-boyfriend Sollecito has been freed
Amanda Knox’s ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, who were found guilty of co-murdering Meredith Kercher, smiles as he is taken from the court by Italian police officers following the verdict
Amanda Knox’s case makes Italy's justice system under scrutiny
Amanda Knox Released After the Court on October 3, 2011
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