The prosecutor who led the investigation into British student Meredith Kercher’s murder has claimed there is a new suspect in the case.
Giuliano Mignini said a ‘reliable’ source had revealed the name of a person of interest who had fled Italy ‘a few days’ after the 21-year-old student was killed in Perugia in 2007.
He told Italian newspaper La Stampa: ‘Recently there have been developments that could prove significant.
‘A source I consider reliable gave me the name of an individual I’d never considered before – a person who may be implicated in the murder and who fled abroad a few days after the crime.’
He added: ‘There are indications [they] may have some involvement in the matter.’
The now-retired prosecutor reported the name of the new suspect to local police.
But Italian authorities have not yet decided whether to open a new investigation, Sky News reported.
Ms Kercher, a student at Leeds University, was found dead with knife wounds to her neck during an exchange year in Perugia.
Meredith Kercher, a student at Leeds University, was found dead with knife wounds to her neck during an exchange year in Perugia
Amanda Knox ipictured arriving at court in Perugia in January 2009 after she was charged with the murder of Kercher
Initially, her US housemate Amanda Knox and her then- boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, from Italy, together with Rudy Guede, a migrant from the Ivory Coast, were charged with Ms Kercher’s murder.
DNA found at the apartment led to Guede being convicted in 2008 for murder and sexual assault.
He served 13 years of a 16-year term and was released from jail in 2021.
Ms Knox and Mr Sollecito were convicted in 2009 but were acquitted by Italy’s highest court in 2015.
In spite of Guede’s conviction, Mr Mignini has repeatedly spoken out about his belief that other people were involved in Ms Kercher’s murder.
He still receives tips about the case and believes that justice has not yet been served.
Mr Mignini added: ‘I confess, it’s a story that, 18 years later, I can’t stomach. There has been no justice.
‘It’s a story that has left a lot of bitterness. When I think of that poor English girl, I feel a certain regret.’
Ms Kercher’s murder has continued to fascinate the public and earlier this year, the story of Ms Knox’s conviction and later release were recounted in television drama The Twisted Tale Of Amanda Knox.
