Trial of the Century: The Story of Amanda Knox

Autopsy Discovers Meredith’s Cause of Death

Photo by VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images

Pathologist Luca Lalli performed the autopsy on Meredith Kercher, recording sixteen bruises and seven cuts, including a fatal one to her throat. Bruises on her nose, nostrils, mouth and underneath her jaw were consistent with a hand being clamped over her face.

The autopsy also concluded that the British student had been sexually assaulted, with the bruises around her face likely from an attempt at silencing her. It didn’t take long for police to arrest both Amanda Knox and her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito. From the start, Amanda raised suspicion for what was deemed unusual behavior. Rather than crying at the scene, she cuddled and kissed her boyfriend. A media circus ensued as police tried to piece together the events leading up to the tragic death of a promising student.