Amanda Knox Emails Court: 'I Didn't Kill Meredith'

Amanda Knox maintained her innocence today during her murder trial in Italy, but she did so in unusual manner—via email, reports the AP. "I didn't kill. I didn't rape. I didn't rob. I didn't plot. I didn't instigate. I didn't kill Meredith," Knox wrote in her five-page email, which was read aloud by a not-too-happy judge. "Who wants to speak at a trial, comes to the trial," said the judge. But Knox also made clear in the email that she has no intention of doing so for fear of wrongful conviction.

"I am not in court because I am afraid," she wrote. "I am afraid that the vehemence of the prosecution will make an impression on you, that their smoke will get in your eyes and blind you." (Read the email in full at ABC News.) This is the third time the murder case against Knox and former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito in the 2007 death of Meredith Kercher is being heard in court, following their conviction and their acquittal on appeal. (That acquittal was then overturned.) Final deliberations are expected to begin on Jan. 15. (More Amanda Knox stories.)