Nightly News   |  May 21, 2011

Knox, accused of murder in Italy, still claims innocence

Amanda Knox went before the judge and said she is innocent and that prison life is frustrating and mentally exhausting. NBC's Keith Miller has more.

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LESTER HOLT, anchor: Former college student American Amanda Knox was back in an Italian appeals court today insisting she is innocent of murder and does not want to spend the rest of her life in prison. NBC 's Keith Miller is in Perugia , Italy , with today's developments.

KEITH MILLER reporting: In an emotional plea before the judge, Amanda Knox said she is innocent and went on to say that she found prison life frustrating and mentally exhausting. She said a 23-year-old girl is now facing life in prison for a crime she didn't commit. In court today, the judge allowed another 14-day extension to the forensic scientist appointed by the court to go over the evidence. What we're hearing from very good sources is that there is no DNA left for them to evaluate, they're going back to the original records. If that is the case, it's quite possible that the prosecution's case will fall apart. We're told that there are some other witnesses that will be coming later in the trial. And this appeal process, which has been going on now for eight months, has just been extended again. We're not expecting a wrap to this until September, and perhaps no actual verdict until the fall. Lester :

HOLT: Keith Miller in Perugia , Italy .