Amanda Knox Acquitted by Italian Court

Amanda Knox at Her Trial

After years and convictions and appeals and overturns, Amanda Knox’s legal saga in Italy appears to be over. Italy’s Supreme Court yesterday ruled that there was not sufficient evidence to support a conviction for Ms. Knox or her then-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito. This, finally, ends the court process for them. The actual killer, Rudy Guede, was separately convicted, and is about halfway through a 16-year-sentence for the murders.

I didn’t get to post this yesterday, when it was released after hours. I will try to spend some time on it at some point in the future. If you would like some basic reasoning why I am not surprised, review some of our past coverage on Crimcourts, in particular, my reaction to the previous decision reinstating the convictions for an entirely novel reason. The Italian court will release the reasoning for its decision in about 90 days.

Amanda Knox Decision Pushed to Friday

Italian courts wanted more time to review the Knox appeal, and have continued the hearing until Friday, when a decision is expected. CNN is citing international law expert M. Cherif Bassiouni who believes that even if the verdict is upheld, she won’t be subject to extradition by the United States.

Could Aaron Hernandez Beat the Murder Rap?

Aaron Hernandez

Raps, I guess I should say, since he is facing multiple counts of murder. As pointed out on Deadspin, it is entirely possible. The case against him is circumstantial, though it appears there is a great deal of cumulative circumstantial evidence. I expect they will be able to get their conviction, but you never know. Most watchers thought OJ would be convicted, but that case was also entirely circumstantial, and he was found not guilty rather quickly. (Obviously, there was a lot going on with the OJ prosecution.)

via Deadspin

Amanda Knox Decision May be Issued Soon

It is expected the Italian courts will rule on Amanda Knox’s case today. They could uphold the decision, or demand a new trial. The Wall Street Journal gives a pretty succinct evaluation of possible extradition scenarios. For more on the history of the case, please refer to our extensive coverage.

Drunk Guy Drives Straight Into Oncoming Traffic- ON VIDEO!

Samuel Salas Mug Shot

A couple of guys saw a drunk guy leaving a bar with his girlfriend, and seeing his extreme level of intoxication, tried to talk him out of driving. However, Samuel Salas, 43, of DeKalb, Illinois rebuked their efforts and decided to drive anyway. One of guys in the bar, worried about his own car, proceeded to record Salas’ departure on his phone. Salas made it out of the parking lot, but less than a block down the road before he turned into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision.

Don’t drink and drive!

via Jalopnik.com

Amanda Knox Decision may be Issued Tomorrow

Amanda Knox

Italy’s high court may issue an order on the Amanda Knox case as early as tomorrow. The Italian Court of Cassation is expected to rule Wednesday and may order a new appellate trial for Knox and/or her then boyfriend Rafaelle Sollecito, or it may chose to uphold the previous decision reinstating the guilty verdicts. The public opinion in Italy seems to be very much in favor of conviction, though the evidence is specious at best. Review our coverage on Crimcourts, as we have highlighted flaws in the evidence, much of which would not have even been admissible under American standards of evidence. The appellate decision reinstating the verdict is laughable under the standards of jurisprudence here.

Regardless of the decision tomorrow, the legal saga is far from over. If the verdicts are upheld, there will be an extensive debate and possible drawn out fight over extradition. If a new trial is ordered, the courts will revisit the evidence yet again.

Florida Woman Arrested for Smearing Dog Poop on Neighbor

Amy Goldberg mug shot

Boca Raton resident Amy Goldberg was arrested the other day for smearing dog poop on her neighbor. The neighbor’s dog pooped on her yard, and she picked it up and smeared in on the woman as she walked the dog. Unfortunately for Goldberg, the victim is over 65-years old, which means that the charge is a felony battery. #onlyinflorida

Darth Vader Robbed a Bank

Darth Vader Robbery

As much as I loathe sharing Jeannie Moos stories, this one is too on point not to pass along: “What Not to Wear During a Robbery.”

Believe it or not, this is not the first Darth Vader disguised robbery. It’s not bad, really, it completely covers the user, and it’s a little scary. It’s just not as classy as the Point Break guys…

Vader Robbery

Robbers in the movie Point Break

Amended Indictment Filed Against Judge Tracie Hunter

Judge Tracie Hunter

The new indictment merely amends the credit card fraud charge that had a technical difficulty the first time around. The Defense will likely attempt to strike this amendment, since it was not proved during the first trial. This seems to indicate that everything is a go for a second trial, probably some time later this year, though the June date will likely be moved, as Hunter plans to try to recuse the judge. The first trial cost taxpayers $460,000. Hunter was found guilty of one count, which she is appealing.

Wanted Guys Shouldn’t Advertise their Birthday Parties

Party Poster via LCSO

Eddie “Fat Eddie” Saez was wanted for a felony charges related to a shooting earlier in the year. He also was set to be the host of a “March Madness Birthday Bash“, complete with musical performances. Posters advertising the event clearly show his name as a host, and have a full size picture of him.

Deputies conducted surveillance on Saez before the bash, and allege that he conducted a major drug deal at his residence. They then searched the residence and located a firearm, and more drugs and ammunition. Wanted guys don’t understand that if the cops are looking for them, they probably shouldn’t advertise their whereabouts, much less doing more drug

“Fat Eddie” Saez

deals! I guess the video shoot will have to wait…

UPDATE: Saez’s birthday is not even until August. I’m not sure what’s going on here, but there are several levels of poor decisions.