Knox Judge Nixes New DNA Testing

More good news for Amanda Knox: The judge in her Italian murder trial has rejected the prosecution’s request for new DNA testing, testimony from a new witness, and the introduction of newly discovered records of the original DNA testing. Knox’s defense had opposed all of the motions, CNN reports. After the rulings, Knox’s father, Curt, said he believes Amanda will return home soon, although a lawyer representing victim Meredith Kercher’s family countered that the rulings are not a defeat for the prosecution.

The hearing is now adjourned until final arguments begin September 23, and a verdict could come as soon as September 29. Knox's lawyers have been attempting to cast doubt on the DNA evidence used to convict her and then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, arguing today that the DNA found on the knife used to kill Kercher was not from blood and that the genetic material from Sollecito found on Kercher’s bra could have gotten there if it was on clothes of Knox’s that were washed with the bra. (More Amanda Knox stories.)