Letter five...somewhat delayed to due no internet

Dear Mr and Mrs Kercher,

The biggest news of today -for me at least, for many others and, most importantly, for you- was the news that Amanda Knox was found guilty of your daughter Meredith's murder. People following the case on TV, in the newspapers etc. cheered at this result, feeling vindicated on your behalf, feeling glad that there was apparently no longer any 'mystery' to this story. So it was strange and humbling to read the news report on Sky News detailing your family's response to the verdict.

In this response none of you were quoted as saying anything derogatory regarding Amanda Knox or taking any glee in the fact that a young girl was being locked up for 26 years. Words like 'justice' or 'revenge' didn't come into it. You indicated that some sort of 'closure' had been reached for your family in court but that there would be no 'celebration' to commemorate this. Your family's thoughts were so clearly with Meredith on that day rather than the law, the arguments, the denials and all the rest of the horrible aspects regarding the case. They were instead located with your daughter, and your family showed such incredible dignity through your grief, sorrow and anger.

There's no question that this has been a case that has shaken many communities around the world. Even now that a verdict has been reached it seems that there are questions regarding the trial, whether the jury reached a correct and fair verdict etc. And sadly it is likely that these arguments may go on for some time. It is probably correct to assume that your family will be involved or, at least, notified of some or many of these appeals or future trials and I very much doubt that this is something you approach with any sort of relish. However I have no doubt that you will do anything but cope in the dignified way that you have thus far.

I suppose I would like to close this letter by wishing you well. Despite the fact that parents lose children more than anyone would care to admit, it is impossible to see your individual loss as anything other than devastating. I do not wish to write in order to patronize you or suggest I know how you feel or how you're coping. I would simply like to send you my best wishes. To say that I realise how awful the last few months must have been for you and I hope with all my heart that something or someone can ease the pain. I never met your daughter but her story with stay with me.

Kind Regards,

Lucy