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Amanda Knox's Philadelphia Attorney Praises Her Final Acquital

By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Amanda Knox has won the ultimate verdict in the murder case that has followed her for more than seven years. The Italian Supreme Court has overturned the convictions of Knox and her former boyfriend in the 2007 murder of her college roommate, Meredith Kercher. Knox's Philadelphia attorney praised the Italian High Court's decision to acquit her.

Defense Attorney Ted Simon said the decision announces "with absolute finality" that Knox was not responsible for the death of Kercher, the British woman Knox roomed with as a 20-year-old exchange student in Italy.

"We are extremely thankful, appreciative and ever so grateful to the supreme court of Italy," he said.

Simon called the succession of trials, acquittals, convictions and appeals Knox has gone through, "a nightmarish marathon that no family should have to endure."

"Amanda and her parents have demonstrated unquestioned and unparalleled patience, steadfast courage, dignity, resilience and fortitude," he said, "but most of all they relied upon their faith that this unjust conviction would not stand."

Simon says his client still mourns for Kercher and, despite the years of suspicion and legal action, Knox knows she is the lucky one.

"Meredith was Amanda's friend," he said, "and I know Amanda and her family want you and everyone to remember Meredith, and to keep the Kercher family in your prayers."

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