Latest Expert Witness News

More time needed for DNA review in Knox trial

Independent forensic experts are seeking more time to conclude their review of DNA evidence in the appeals trial of Amanda Knox. Two court-appointed experts are looking into DNA traces on the knife believed to have been used to kill Meredith Kercher, and on the clasp of the bra Kercher was allegedly wearing at the time she was killed.

Knox, an American student, was convicted of sexually assaulting and killing Kercher and sentenced to 26 years in jail. Her boyfriend at the time of the murder, Raffaele Sollecito, was convicted of the same charges and sentenced to 25 years.

The experts were scheduled to conclude their review today and then report to the court on May 21, have asked for a delay of about 40 days. The request was sought because the experts want to study more documents regarding the tests.

During the first trial, DNA evidence was crucial, prosecutors maintained that Knox's DNA was on the knife handle, Kercher's DNA on the blade, and Sollecito's on the clasp of Kercher's bra.

Independent experts were mandated to either conduct a retest or, if not possible, assess the accuracy of the original testing. They have found that DNA traces were too small for a retest and are now reviewing the original analyses to assess whether they were reliable and up to standard.

The defense has always challenged the accuracy of the analyses presented in the first trial, saying traces were too low to be conclusive and alleging possible contamination. The bra was recovered at the crime scene only several weeks after the slaying. The review was granted at the defense's request and assigned to two forensic experts of La Sapienza University in Rome. It takes place in the presence of experts appointed by the parties.

The experts will likely present their findings to the court between late June and early July.

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