Amanda Knox Free: Forensic evidence and DNA Testing criticized

The original case against Amanda Knox hinged on what appeared to be sound DNA testingevidence. Forensic teams appeared to have more than enough evidence to have Knox and her boyfriend convicted of murder. But things have changed: many thought Knox was innocent of Kercher’s murder, others thought she was innocent.

Yesterday night the verdict was read out: Knox and her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito are free. A third person remains in prison, convicted of the murder and sentenced to 16 years- Rudy Guede. It is believed however, that he did not act alone.

So what about the forensic evidence in the case?

DNA  forensic evidence in the case has been rubbished. A 145 page document has been issued by experts in Rome that totally shreds to bit any evidence collected by the forensic team. Patrizia Stefanoni, forensic expert who had linked the DNA found on a knife and bra clasp back to Sollecito and Knox, has had her work and competency thrown into question- she defends these accusations saying all protocols required under such circumstances had been respected. It is said she has given evidence in court which was not backed by her laboratory findings. She is to defend her case in subsequent hearing that will focus on DNA evidence. She has assiduously defended herself, stating that the Italian Police are members of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI).

DNA Testing on the Knife

The actually murder weapon used to slit Meredith Kercher’s throat was never found. A knife was found, around 30cm in length and DNA was found on this knife. DNA forensic testsdone on the blood found on the blade was matched with Kercher’s DNA profile and DNA traces found on the handle were linked back to Knox. This evidence has been over thrown and rubbished by the group of forensic experts called from Rome who claim that the any traces of DNA were far too minute to give a DNA profile that could be matched to any one person.

Second Piece of Evidence: The Bra Clasp

The bra clasp found in the apartment shared by Knox and Kercher was only found upon a second inspection of the crime scene- 6 weeks later. Not only could this time frame have affected any DNA on the clasp, but footage taken clearly showed forensic experts handling various items in the room with the same gloves and then proceeding to pick up the bra clasp. It has been noted how this would have led to contamination of DNA items touched previous by the forensic team during that inspection. The DNA testing that originally appeared so solid has today been disproved. Amanda Knox leaves for the States and the Kercher family left without answers.