Instructions
Read the following case study about a real forensic science case. Then, answer the comprehension questions based on what you've read.
Case Study: The Murder of Meredith Kercher
On November 1, 2007, British student Meredith Kercher was found dead in her apartment in Perugia, Italy. She had been studying abroad as part of a university exchange program. The initial investigation suggested that her death was a result of a violent sexual assault. Perugia's police launched a high-profile investigation that attracted international attention.
The investigation quickly focused on Amanda Knox, an American student who lived with Meredith, and her Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito. They were arrested in November 2007 based on aspects of their testimonies, which investigators found inconsistent. Blood and DNA evidence was collected from the crime scene, leading to conflicting interpretations.
Knox and Sollecito were initially convicted in 2009, but their convictions were overturned in 2011 due to lack of evidence. They were retried and again convicted in 2014; however, in 2015, Italy's highest court acquitted them, citing insufficient evidence. The case remains complex and unresolved, with many debates surrounding the investigation and the use of forensic science in reaching conclusions.
Comprehension Questions
- What was the name of the victim in this case?
- When was Meredith Kercher found dead?
- Why did the investigation focus on Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito?
- What were the key developments in the legal proceedings against Knox and Sollecito?
- What main issue continues to be debated regarding this case?
Reflection
In a few sentences, explain how forensic science can impact the outcomes of criminal investigations.