PERUGIA, Italy - Locked away in an Italian prison, Amanda Knox has been struggling emotionally since her murder conviction.
Knox's parents tell KING 5 their daughter was devastated by the 26-year sentence she received. But the appeal filed Saturday is giving the University of Washington student new hope.
"Amanda's lawyer this morning went in to visit Amanda and gave her their 201 pages of request of appeal. Amanda will be reading it. She has started reading the motivations as well, she's I think looking forward for the battle," said journalist Giulia Alagna.
The battle will take place in Perugia, with the defense asking for Knox's release and the prosecution fighting to up her sentence to a life term.
We asked Italian attorney Alessandro Canali, who also practices in Washington, to review the defense documents.
Linda Byron: In your opinion, does she have a good chance of winning her appeal?"
Canali: It is impossible to say because I think it depends 100 percent on the outcome of the forensic experts and the examinations.
LB: This case will turn on DNA?
Canali: Yeah
There were wildly conflicting interpretations of the DNA during the first trial. Prosecutors told the jury that Knox, her Italian ex-boyfriend and a third man killed Knox's roommate, Meredith Kercher, during a drug fueled sex game and that DNA evidence proved it.
The defense countered that the DNA was flawed, and the crime scene contaminated.
KING 5 was in Perugia when the case took a pivotal turn last October. The judge denied a request for an independent court appointed expert to review the DNA collected at the crime scene and on a knife alleged to be the murder weapon.
Canali says it's likely the appeals court will grant the experts this time.
"I think she has good chance to win the case after the new exams will be granted," he said.
LB: And at that point they would have to release her.
Canali: At that point they would have to release her.
There's a risk the second jury will agree with prosecutors that Knox got off too lightly. Still the 22-year-old student is said to be hopeful.
"The lawyer has also said she is happy to see a new chapter open, hoping that will be the definitive to get her out," said Alagna.
Another key issue is the question of motive. Over the year long trial the prosecution offered shifting explanations for the murder but always said it was premeditated.
The jury disagreed, finding the killing was basically a spontaneous act, without malice, which is why they gave Knox less prison time than prosecutors were asking for.
Tuesday is the appeals deadline. Within a few weeks, the court is expected to set a date a for a second trial. The trial will likely start next fall and focus solely on issues raised in the appeals.
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