Episode 03 — Study Abroad Gone Wrong in Italy: Amanda Knox
Listen here…
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Destination: Perugia, Italy
Amanda Knox, a college student from Seattle, dreamed of learning Italian and immersing herself in the culture of Italy. But in the fall of 2007, her Italian study abroad turned tragic when her roommate, Meredith Kercher, was found brutally murdered in their Perugia apartment. Amanda and her Italian boyfriend were accused and arrested, igniting one of the most high-profile criminal cases in Italy. After a lengthy trial filled with conflicting evidence, forced confessions, a media frenzy, and an international outcry, Amanda spent four years in an Italian prison. To this day, half the world still thinks Amanda Knox is guilty. What do you think?
Was Amanda Knox a victim of Italy’s flawed justice system, or does the truth lie deeper in the mystery of Meredith Kercher’s death?
Listen to the full episode now.
What the hell happened to
Amanda Knox in Perugia, Italy
About Amanda…
➙ Convicted at 22, now 37 years old
➙From Seattle, Washington
➙ Went to Perugia, Italy to pursue her Linguistics Degree from the University of Washington
About Meredith…
➙ 21 years old
➙ From London, UK
➙ Affectionally known as “Mez”
Today’s case is a BIG one. One of the biggest cases in the world of True Crime that has shaken the world for years.
Amanda Knox, a university student from Seattle, Washington left for a year abroad in the picturesque town of Perugia, Italy. A year of learning Italian, strolling down cobble-stoned streets, and enjoying the Italian dolce vita. Sounds like every student’s dream right?
It was…until her roommate Mereditch Kercher was found dead in their shared apartment.
So what started as a normal study abroad experience quickly turned into a nightmare for Amanda, as Italian police began questioning her and eventually arrested her as a suspect in the case.
The investigation quickly turned into a huge media frenzy worldwide.
This case ended up affecting not just the victim, Meredith, but also changing the course of Amanda’s life.
This case is so shocking because the reality is that it affected two victims:
First, Meredith, who was brutally murdered, but was overshadowed by the media frenzy surrounding Amanda Knox, leaving Meredith herself often forgotten in the chaos. Her family asked for justice and the truth for years. But also, Amanda, who always maintained her innocence and whose life was changed forever by this case.
Everything we mention on
Episode 03 of True Crime Travelers
If you haven’t listened to the episode, listen here:
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Who else was involved?
▸Raffaelle Sollecito was Amanda’s Italian boyfriend. He was studying computer science at the University of Perugia at the time. Throughout the case, Rafaelle maintained his innocence, claiming he had no involvement in the crime.
Raffaelle Sollecito | Photo from Getty Images
▸Rudy Guede is an Ivory Coast-born man who became a central figure in the murder of Meredith. Guede was the only person definitively convicted for the crime, but he was freed on November 2021 after a 16-year sentence.
Rudy Guede | Photo from Getty Images
▸In this episode, Alexa and I discover the website InjusticeinPerugia.com, a website dedicated to the wrongful conviction of Amanda and Raffaelle. In it you can find a lot of information about the case, from a breakdown of everyone involved, to appeal documents and evidence photos (like the ones below).
We also discuss the footprint in the bath mat theory from these two photos.
See the full footprint analysis here.
PHOTOS FROM INJUSTICEINPERUGIA.ORGWhere it happened…Perugia, Italy
▸Perugia, the vibrant capital of Italy's Umbria region, is a hilltop city known for its rich history, stunning medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene.
It is loved by students for its lively atmosphere, affordable living, and international appeal, thanks to institutions like the University of Perugia and the Università per Stranieri, which attract students from all over the world. Its vibrant nightlife, cultural events, and picturesque ambiance make it an exciting and inspiring place to live and learn for foreign exchange students.
▸If you want to dive even deeper into Amanda’s story, go watch the Amanda Knox documentary on Netflix. It tells the full story from her point of view.
Where is Amanda now?
Amanda became an advocate for criminal justice and media ethics, as well as a best-selling author, podcast host and public speaker.
She also has a new book coming out in 2025, as well a new TV show which she is co-producing alonside Monica Lewinsky.
VISIT AMANDA’S WEBSITE
Hey witches…
Do you have a tip or any piece of information
related to the case that we should know?
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A mini-guide on what to do in Perugia, Italy
Perugia is a charming hilltop town in Italy, The streets are narrow and winding, with medieval stone buildings that make it feel like you’re walking through a different era. It’s such an Italian postcard. And because it’s perched on a hill, the view is amazing from every corner. Sweeping views of the Italian countryside as far as the eye can see. Just a 2-hour drive from both Florence and Rome, Perugia is a lovely stop along the way between those two bigger destinations.
Here are some of the highlights to do and see in Perugia:
Explore the Historic Center: Wander through the cobblestone streets, admire medieval architecture, and visit landmarks like the Fontana Maggiore and the Palazzo dei Priori.
Visit the National Gallery of Umbria: Discover a rich collection of Renaissance and medieval art, including masterpieces by Perugino, the city's most famous painter.
Tour Rocca Paolina: Walk through the fascinating underground fortress built in the 16th century, offering a glimpse into Perugia's past.
Plan around the Umbria Jazz Festival: If visiting in July, don’t miss one of the world’s most renowned jazz festivals.
Savor Real Italian Local Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Umbrian dishes like truffle pasta, “torta al testo” (a flatbread sandwich), and regional wines at local trattorias and osterias.
Indulge in Chocolate: Visit the Perugina Chocolate House to learn about the city’s famous chocolates, including the iconic Baci Perugina, and take a factory tour.
Stroll Along Corso Vannucci: This lively pedestrian street is perfect for shopping, people-watching, and soaking in the town’s energy.
What do you think happened?
Do you have any other theories?
Join us on Reddit to discuss this case!
See you on the next case of True Crime Travelers…
xo, Alexa + Emilia
