The Conti-Vecchiotti Report
Court appointed independent forensic experts, Stefano Conti and Carla Vecchiotti, from Rome's Sapienza University, detailed gross negligence on the part of lead forensic scientist, Patricia Stefanoni. The alleged murder weapon and a DNA laced bra clasp have been fully discredited leaving absolutely no credible evidence to confirm the convictions of Amanda and Raffaelle. You can read the translation here: Click here for full details
Judge Hellmann's Motivation Document
On October 3, 2011, Judge Hellmann spoke loud and clear when he declared that Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito are innocent. They had absolutely nothing to do with Meredith Kercher's murder.
In the case of the murder (and the sexual assault, transporting the knife, and theft), Amanda and Raffaele were acquitted "for not having committed the act."
With regard to the charge of staging a burglary, Amanda and Raffaele were acquitted "because the act does not exist." (Hellmann's court ruled that the burglary was not staged)
a website detailing the wrongful conviction of Amanda Knox & Raffaele Sollecito
Judge Claudio Pratillo Hellmann announces his ruling on October 3, 2011
On Wednesday, November 24, 2010, Judge Claudio Pratillo Hellmann swore in the jury of five women and one man, beginning the appeal trial for Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito.
The appeals filed by both defense teams not only requested a new trial but also detailed the evidence that they wanted re-evaluated on appeal. It was Hellmann’s job to decide what items he would allow for review. Hellmann made it clear what points he felt were crucial during the third hearing on December 18, 2010, adding that other aspects of the case would be re-addressed in the future if necessary.
Hellmann's approach was to key in on the evidence that secured the convictions during the first trial. Hellmann ordered the DNA evidence to be analyzed by independent experts appointed by the court. The appeals filed by Amanda and Raffaele were built largely around a request for an independent review of forensic evidence so the fact that Hellmann granted additional testing (refused by Judge Massei in the first trial) was great news for the defense. Hellmann knew the case was built on two pieces of evidence; the knife and the bra clasp. If the DNA evidence on these two items was proven unreliable on appeal, the prosecution had no case.
In addition to the DNA review, Hellmann also granted the defense request to put a series of witnesses on the stand. First was the prosecution’s star witness, Antonio Curatolo. Second came five jailhouse snitches in an attempt by the defense to show that the prosecution did not pursue all avenues during the first trial (as required by Italian law). This move by the defense would lead the prosecution to call Meredith's killer Rudy Guede to the stand to give a rebuttal. Testimony from the snitches and Guede provided nothing of value. It was the Independent analysis of the DNA and the demolition of the prosecution's star witness that would eventually lead to acquittals for Amanda and Raffaele. You can read through the details of the appeal in the links provided below.
Amanda and Raffaele Declared Innocent
Notable Events During Appeal