Amanda Knox Appeal: Not Guilty, Convictions Overturned - Amanda and Raffaele Are Free

October 3, 2011- Oh My God, what a day. When Amanda was brought into the courtroom to hear the verdict she looked like she was going to topple over, and then there was nothing but silence waiting for the judge to announce the verdict. Everyone was tense and on edge, particularly Amanda. When the judge gave the verdict Amanda burst into tears and almost collapsed. The guards rushed her out of the room. Amanda's father hugged the lawyer nearest him. The courtroom was cheering (with some boos). And when the prosecutor came out of the courthouse the crowd jeered. And I am all wore out.

Amanda and Raffaele were immediately freed. They were brought back to prison only to sign documents and collect their belongings. Then they will leave the 'house of many doors' forever. It was a dramatic fairy-tale ending to a horrific story. Amanda's sister Deanna gave a short statement outside the courthouse thanking everyone for their support and asked that now the family would like some privacy to wind down. A lot of people were very happy in Perugia tonight but of course not everyone. Hopefully in time, some people will realize that it was not the guilty who were freed, but the innocent.

I am so happy and relieved that everything worked out ok for Amanda and Raffaele, as are a great many people. They got their lives back. I think Amanda's reaction to the innocent verdict was a product of relief. She looked extremely pale and tense just before the judge read the verdict. Right now I bet she is all smiles. She will be leaving Capanne shortly where the prison priest will see her for the last time. As he had said earlier today, he hoped that today would be the last he would see of her and that she would be free to go home. He said he knew she was innocent. His prayers were answered.