The Italian judge who oversaw the second conviction of Amanda Knox in the 2007 murder of her roommate wrestled with the decision — but stands by it.
In an interview with an Italian newspaper, Judge Alessandro Nencini called the decision a difficult one “that has affected many lives.”
He said that Knox and then-boyfriend Rafaelle Sollecito had other plans up until 8:15 p.m. the night British student Meredith Kercher was killed in November 2007 and that “they skipped them and an opportunity was created.”
“If Amanda had gone to work, probably we wouldn’t be here,” Nencini told Corriere della Sera for Saturday’s edition.
Knox and Sollecito were convicted of murder in 2009 despite critics who slammed the initial investigation as shoddy. The convictions were overturned in 2011 and the pair were released, with Knox returning to America.
Italy’s supreme court tossed the acquittals, setting the stage for Nencini to take the case.
A written explanation of Thursday’s verdict is expected in three months.
Knox, who maintains her innocence, says she will not willingly return to Italy. Meanwhile, Sollecito refuted reports he was caught at the Italy-Austria border trying to flee, claiming instead he turned back from a pre-planned trip when he heard the news.
Nencini hinted that Sollecito’s decision to stay silent during the proceedings hurt his case.
“It’s the defendant’s right, but it certainly deprived the process of a voice,” Nencini was quoted as saying.