27 Chewy Items Pet Parents Will Want To Check Out
Promising review: "I use this for thunderstorms and other loud noises like fireworks. After slipping it on, I go under it and make sure each ear flap of my Italian greyhound/Jack Russell mix is flapping up and covering his ear canal. He may still hear loud noises, but it does not move him to shaking and panting as he always did in the past. He did move it off his ears when I was not looking, but that only happened once. Two storms have happened, and this Hoodie has stopped the panic he once had." —ElizabethPrice: $9.99+ (available in three sizes and four colors)
A scratching post that will give your kitty an appropriate place to scratch, stretch, and keep their lil' cat claws in tip-top shape. (Your couches called: They said you could buy this one on them.)
Promising review: "This is the third time I've ordered this exact same scratching post because my cat loves it so much! It's a great price, great quality, and I love that it breaks down into smaller pieces for when we travel. It's also extremely easy to put together. I will definitely be re-ordering it when this one needs to be replaced!" —MayaPrice: $13.99 (available in five styles)
An easy-to-clean gravity feeding station, because less time cleaning out super-intricate grooves in a technological doodad means more time playing with your furry pals.
Promising reviews: "I have dogs that love making a mess. This system keeps that from happening!" —Donna"This continuous, gravity-fed pet feeder is so simple and well-designed that it is beautiful. Removable stainless steel bowl to easily wash: wide-mouth opening for food to fall into the bowl, so the gravity feeder does not clog up. Non-BPA plastics in the container that holds 4lb of dry food. I love this, and my cat does too; he immediately began feeding in it without hesitation. Great purchase. If you want simple and clean, this is your feeder!" —LisaPrice: $19.95+ (available in two sizes)
A good ol' classic Sasquatch crinkle squeaker to give them lots of fun noise and good mouth-feel enrichment while you finish up that Zoom call. (Bless the mute option.)
Promising review: "My boy is a tough chewer, and the vet said soft toys are his friends to prevent tooth chipping. This toy is lasting and he carries it around like it's his baby." —MorganPrice: $13.99
A canine version of your fave Kanoodle Puzzle so you and your furry friend can both enjoy the magic and wonder that is making shapes fit so satisfyingly together. You can twist pieces to make treat-finding a ~little more challenging~ for your pooch to reach. Make it doubly stimulating by hiding the puzzle somewhere in the house for them to sniff out and discover on their own!
Promising review: "I read many of the reviews on this product. I had never purchased a puzzle before and was not certain what to expect or how my dog would react to it. I had to figure out how the pieces moved in order to fill it. I used kibble and put some on top just so he would pay attention. (Very food motivated). He gets about halfway through it on his own, then I show him which piece to move to finish up. He has it figured out now. I put it out for him when I leave for work, and he plays with it to get food while I am gone. Very interesting toy." —Sheryl Price: $14.99+ (available in two sizes)
A splurgy (and quiet!) Litter-Robot automatic self-cleaning litter box with a nifty app that monitors the waste and litter levels so you know when it's time to change the bag or fill up the litter tank. And it monitors your pet's weight and bathroom activities so you can know their comings and goings and make sure their little digestive systems are in excellent working order. And it keeps your cat coming to clean litter Every. Single. Time.
Basically, if the Jetsons had a cat, they would have THIS. See it in action on TikTok here!Promising reviews: "I debated getting this for a while. Finally decided to purchase it. It's been fantastic. I was gone for several days and even though I had someone looking after my two cats, it was wonderful to see on the app when they used it. They had no trouble adjusting to the new litter. For the first week, they would constantly interrupt the cycle ( it stops when it senses a cat) to watch the process. It's expensive, but well worth it. No smell, and clean litter all the time!" —Sandra"I was always skeptical of litter robots, I just didn't see the value or didn't believe they would work well enough. I'm happy to have been wrong about that. Our cat used it the same night that we set it up and has seemed happier to me. I don't smell it, I can't hear it unless I'm in the same room, but even then, it's not annoying or loud. The app is pretty intuitive,e as is the setup process." —NicholasPrice: $699 (available in black and white)
A heavy-duty Jolly Ball for all your tugging, throwing, and launching needs. Plus, the ball floats even when punctured, so whether you're heading to the lake or just don't want to sink your hand in the doggy water bowl when it inevitably gets flung in there, this ball is here for you and your pup.
Promising reviews: "My 10-month-old Malinois loves carrying these types of toys around outside. They can be exhausting to throw, but it helps tire him out when I need to work during the day and only have a shorter amount of time to play." —Paige"My Australian Cattle Dog has destroyed every other toy, no matter how 'durable' they claim to be.This has lasted so long and is her favorite to grab and have us throw for her. The handle is nice also to avoid contact w/as much slobber." —SaraPrice: $16.79+ (available in four colors and a larger size)
Some foldable pet stairs elderly pets, young and spry but vertically challenged pets, and you will love as they're easy to use and store away when not in use.
Promising reviews: "My elderly, arthritic cat lost the strength in her legs to jump even 15 inches a couple of months ago. Her world began to shrink, but the PetSafe stairs gave it back to her. She's never been interested in new things, but she took to the stairs right away. My little girl is back." —Eugenia"These stairs are well-made and easy to maneuver. My dog loves to get on our bed, but wasn't able to jump that high. She fell a couple of times, which frightened her. I purchased these stairs and it took one lesson to have her climb up! She LOVES them... and so do I!" —MarvelPrice: $42.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors)
A self-grooming brush kitties (and their human reviewers) love for the self-scritches, with a bonus that it keeps their little whiskers in pristine, brushed condition.
Promising reviews: "Our Hemingway usually hates to be brushed, but loves rubbing up against the corners of walls. We put six of these throughout the house, and I watch him every morning just sitting there going to town on it. It is amazing because it has helped with his coat and has actually allowedhim to be able to start brushing him a little bit." —Matthew"I (and my cat) love this thing!! I'm glad I got two of them. I may need more. My cat rubs her face on every corner we have, which leaves her 'mark' on everything. I put this up, and literally after 1 second, she's ALL about it." —KristinPrice: $7.05 (also available in a 2-pack)
A bacon-flavored wishbone chew toy if you've got an aggressive chewer on your hands and *don't* want your table legs to suffer for it. This US-made toy helps clean your pup's teeth as they chomp. (And it's flavored with real bacon. Only the best for your bestie.)
Promising review: "We have 2 Golden Retrievers that tear up stuffed and rope toys with their chewing. These Benebones are perfect for our boys. They love chewing them. We keep one in both kennels and one in the den. Keeps them occupied. I recommend them!" —LisaPrice: $10.84+ (available in four sizes)
A bottle of Fresh 'n Clean oatmeal and baking soda dog shampoo, because if *you* use hair products with healthy ingredients, your dog definitely wants in on that action. Plant-based with soothing aloe vera, vitamin E, and natural colloidal oatmeal, your pups will smell *and* feel so great after their bath, you won't even mind when they shake all over you mid-bath.
Promising reviews: "What a difference this has made for our little Yorkie who had been so itchy. We saw such a difference after the first bath, and the scent is amazing! She smells like clean laundry!" —Annette"Recommended by my veterinarian years ago and have been using it for my Rottweilers since then. It's not hard on their coats and leaves them soft and shiny." —ArlenePrice: $9.74+ (available in three sizes)
A multi-talented natural grass chew mat your rabbit, guinea, pig, mice, or other small-pawed creatures will ADORE because not only can they ~eat it~, but it also helps cushion the floor to avoid sores, promotes digestive and oral health, and can be used for enrichment.
Promising review: "Our boy loves these mats. He digs at them, chews them, throws them around. Totally recommend it if you're looking for enrichment. We put one in each room of the house, and it prevents him from chewing our carpets and baseboards." —LuisPrice: $4.91 (also available in a three-pack)
A glow-in-the-dark ball to add some neon energy to your pet's toy basket and make it easier to find when it inevitably rolls under the couch. Again.
Promising review: "I set this ball under a bright light to charge the glow and it's the brightest glowing thing I've ever seen! Also, the texture of the ball is squishy cuz it's hollow. My pitbull mix loves it! It's a good weight to be able to throw it really far without being like a hard, solid rubber." —HollyPrice: $5.99+ (available in four sizes and multipacks)
A puzzle treat ball so they can have the best of both worlds: Treats and roly-poly fun. This little boredom buster can hold up to one cup of food, so you'll buy yourself a GOOD chunk of time if you can't take them out just yet.
Promising review: "I cannot say enough good things about this. I have three big babies, 80 lbs+, that destroy every single toy I get them. Including the indestructible ones. But this thing is still going. Even with treats inside, which usually speeds up the destruction. I ended up buying two more, so each of them had their own. And for the price, you really can't go wrong." —DanaPrice: $7.99+ (available in two sizes)
Or a small pet treat-dispensing ball all manner of pet parents say their fur children love for both training and playful snacking.
Promising reviews: "Our rats LOVE this toy. Perfect to break up nuts and the adjustable size was nice for training." —Emily"I highly recommend these treat ball toys! They are my bunny's absolute favorite. Bunnies need to forage to stay healthy and happy, and these treat balls make it fun. I put his pellets inside, and he has to work to get them out. They dispense just the right amount of pellets. If you have a bored bunny and want to add some excitement to their life for their well-being, I'd say these are a great choice." —AmyPrice: $6.50
A giggle ball that will delight you both. It rolls around and has four grippers for easy carrying — and it laughs as it moves. Lots of reviewers say this will keep even their puppies entertained for a good long while, so what have you got to lose? Live, laugh, giggle ball.
Promising reviews: "Our 2-year-old pup has NEVER loved anything this much in his life. He chased it and barked at it for hours last night. Finally exhausted himself and slept, and he's back at it this morning. It's a tidbit loud but highly recommend!" —Stacy"My Aussiedoodle typically destroys her toys in a matter of weeks. This toy has lasted for months. She loves it; the noises it makes fascinate her, and she plays with it constantly. Great toy for active breeds." —WilliamPrice: $14.99
An interactive UFO cat toy designed to kick your cat's boredom to the curb FOR GOOD. It has three different modes, automatic nighttime shutoff, and paw detection, so it is basically a kitty babysitter. (And the feather "arms" are replaceable, so no need to worry about them wearing out!)
Promising review: "I wasn't sure if my cats would be into this toy, but they're totally obsessed! They usually get bored fast, but the feather popping in and out drives them wild! It keeps both of them moving and entertained way longer than most toys. I also love that it has different speed settings and turns off by itself. It makes life easier, especially when I'm at work and they're home alone. The felt ring on the bottom is awesome too! It picks up loose fur while they play, which is perfect for my long-haired girl who sheds like wild. It keeps the wheels from getting stuck with fur. Super happy with this!" —MeghanPrice: $29.99
A rip-and-reveal plushie with a hidden bonus toy on the inside once your dog rips through the first layer. (Spoiler alert: It's a sad cactus, which is hilarious since the outer layer is a happy cactus.)
Promising review: "This little cactus packs a punch! It's not only super cute but super durable. My pup absolutely loves it! She carries it everywhere!" —JuliePrice: $12.99+ (available in two sizes)
A pack of three tooth-cleaning bones because pet dental bills are EXPENSIVE, so if they can gnaw away some of their energy and their food buildup, that would be great, thanks.
Promising review: "This is holding up very well to my two aggressive chewers. We have had it for two weeks and have not had any chunks come off, and it's one of the first things they go for when that chewing urge strikes them. Would recommend for anyone with heavy chewers." —RhondaPrice: $22.92 for a three-pack
A flopping fish toy ~technically~ meant for cats, but reviewers (and pups!) agree that what's good for the goose is good for the gander— er, pupper? When your work call is running late. and they're starting to look at you meaningfully, it's time to break out the flopping fish.
Promising reviews: "I was having trouble finding a toy to keep my Bengal cat entertained since he needs an interactive toy to satisfy his prey drive. He very quickly fell in love with it. It's very durable." —Beth"It's funny, I bought this for my cats, but the dog won't leave it alone! It's hilarious!" —Michelle MPrice: $12.99
A hanging pineapple hideaway because SpongeBob shouldn't be the only one who gets to hang out in a pineapple all day, and this will make your small friends happier than a sponge during a Krabby Patty rush.
Promising review: "My rats absolutely love this soft and secure comfort space! I have five boys and there's always one or two of them inside it during sleep times. I had a group of girls prior, and they also adored this hidey, although they "customized" it by chewing a hole through the back, for easier access :)" —DorothyPrice: $16.64
A Bedsure orthopedic dog sofa bed to help your pup grab some excellent shuteye and wake up feeling their best. It's made with pet-safe egg crate foam to take pressure off aching joints, increase airflow (for cooler, more comfy snoozing!) and can be especially helpful for any doggos with arthritis or joint pain.
The removable cover is *also* washable, which makes your life so much easier. (And less smelly, tbh.)Promising review: "Our Corgi Scout absolutely loves his bed. The side cushions he uses as a pillow, and he is sleeping longer each night after using the Orthopedic bed. He also wakes up without limping anymore, which has been a huge sigh of relief for us. Would definitely recommend this to other dog owners who are worried about joints!!" —JamiePrice: $39.09+ (available in five sizes and nine colors)
And an orthopedic cat bed also made by the folks at Bedsure, who really *are* in the business of giving your pets the very best sleeps. Your cat will love the nonslip bottom (no slip-n-slide action if they prefer a good pounce into bed), and you're sure to hear a 99% increase in satisfied sleep purrs as they stalk off to dreamland on their fully washable pillow cushion.
Promising review: "He loves his new bed. It was so hard to find a quality bed with a removable cushion. It's something that he likes to go under and make a little cave for himself, and it makes it easier to wash with the separate cushion. So glad I finally found one that's solid! It's so hard to get him out of it because he loves it so much." —BridgetPrice: $25.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors)
Some ~berry~ cute straw catnip toys for the discerning kitty who wants their toys to be fun and textured specifically to help keep their pearly whites clean. (And also catnip. Duh.)
Promising review: "My cat is absolutely obsessed with these little strawberries. This is truly her favorite toy. I have had to repurchase as she loses some throughout the house and will cry if one gets stuck underneath furniture. Definitely recommend!" —AriannaPrice: $4.70 for a 3-pack
A freeze-pop training toy perfect for enriching your pet's crate time or just to give them a delicious licky-stick to keep them occupied until you can take them out for zoomies. Use just like you would a human freeze-pop maker (including throwing it in the dishwasher when it needs a clean!) and get ready for a treat delight your pup is surely going to beg for again and again.
Promising reviews: "Kept our puppy occupied for a long time, which then tired him out enough to take a long nap in his crate afterwards. I was worried he would try to chew or eat it, but it is made up of some really durable rubber and he doesn't seem to mess with it after the treat is gone. Wish I would've had this for my other dog when we were crate training." —Kate"It has been quite difficult to get her to want to go in her crate. A little peanut butter on this product makes her run right into the crate. It's a little spendy, but totally worth it!" —AnniePrice: $39 (originally $45)
A drug-free cat calming spray that might help settle your anxious kitty. It mimics a mother's pheromones, it can promote a natural sense of calmness and make you and your cat's lives easier during vet visits, travel, or other hard-to-explain-to-your-cat transitions.
Promising review: "I've found Feliway Classic Spray to be a helpful tool during stressful situations for my cats, especially when it comes to travel or big changes. While it doesn't make them completely calm, I truly believe it takes the edge off. I use it when putting them in the carrier, and most recently during a move to help them adjust to our new home. It seemed to ease their anxiety and helped them settle in a bit faster. I'll definitely keep a bottle on hand for future transitions or vet visits!" —LauraPrice: $16.24
And finally, a platypus silent dog toy because squeakers are GREAT, but so is being able to unmute on your Zoom call without everyone on your team hearing Fido in the background going to town on the loudest toy ever. Your pup can hear this, but YOU can't. Everyone say thank you to science.
Promising review: "This platty is on auto ship and we couldn't live without it. Now we collect the well-loved platties and surprise our puppy boy with raining platties!! 10/10 would do again." —DallasPrice: $11.32
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NBC News
2 hours ago
- NBC News
Frank Caprio, Rhode Island TV judge known for his compassion, dies at 88
Judge Frank Caprio, who handed down compassion from the bench on the local television series 'Caught in Providence,' earning himself and the show national attention, has died. He was 88. A post on his official Facebook page Wednesday confirmed that Caprio 'passed away peacefully' following a 'long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.' Caprio disclosed his diagnosis in 2023 in a clip posted to Instagram in which he asked for prayers. 'Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond,' the post reads. 'His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.' Beyond being a respected judge, Caprio is remembered as 'a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.' The post concludes, 'His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.' A 'Rhode Island treasure' Caprio was born into an Italian-American family in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1936, according to a profile from Rhode Island Monthly. He graduated from Suffolk University School of Law, after attending night school. He rose to prominence on the local access channel series 'Caught in Providence,' where his compassionate rulings often went viral and drew national coverage from outlets like NBC News. The judge went on to become a household name when the show was syndicated and later became available on Prime Video. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee spoke to Caprio's effort to connect to the public in a 'meaningful way' in news release issued following the judge's death. 'Judge Caprio was a Rhode Island treasure,' the statement begins. 'On a personal level, he was a friend who faced his illness with bravery, and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.' McKee also ordered Rhode Island flags at state agencies and buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of Caprio. 'Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way, and people could not help but respond to his warmth and compassion,' the statement continues. 'He was more than a jurist — he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity.' He concludes, 'Whether you grew up watching Judge Caprio on television or first saw his kindness touch lives around the world on social media, there is no question that his legacy will leave a lasting mark across generations.' Rhode Island Senate leaders also reflected on Caprio's career and contributions to the state. In a joint statement, President Valarie J. Lawson, Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III, and Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian provided the following statement: 'Judge Caprio embodied the spirit of Rhode Island and its people. He truly saw the humanity in everyone, and his compassion inspired countless acts of kindness across the world. The entire Senate family mourns the passing of Judge Caprio and extends its heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.' Making a difference for a new mom The judge comforted a new mother struggling with postpartum and overwhelmed by a stack of tickets and a boot on her car. The 96-year-old father rushing his son to the doctor In a who had been cited for speeding as he rushed his handicapped son to a medical appointment.
Elle
6 hours ago
- Elle
Amanda Knox's Real-Life Case Was a Lot More Complicated Than It Looks in the Hulu Series
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. It's been nearly two decades since the murder of 21-year-old British student Meredith Kercher in Perugia, Italy first became international news. However, most of the media attention was devoted to the suspects in this case, with lurid speculation and grisly details dominating the headlines. Almost immediately in November 2007, Kercher's roommate, Amanda Knox, became the face of this story, fitting the mold of guilty and innocent depending on the publication or news outlet. Knox was convicted and subsequently acquitted of Kercher's murder, not to mention various appeals and retrials in between. Now, an eight-part Hulu true crime drama will depict not only the events in the weeks before and after, but also the decade-plus fight to clear Knox and her then-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito's names. Considering there has already been a Lifetime movie, a Netflix documentary (that Knox was part of), the Matt Damon-starring Stillwater (which was inspired by Knox's story), and two memoirs penned by Knox, it might seem there isn't much left to say. However, Knox is a producer on The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, alongside Monica Lewinsky, allowing Knox to have a voice alongside a collaborator whose entire character was also scrutinized by tabloids when she was in her early twenties. The series, created by K.J. Steinberg, sets out to show how Knox ended up behind bars, including how she became a suspect, the prolonged interrogation, the mishandling of evidence, and the ongoing trial-by-media, spanning 16 years. Tell Me Lies star Grace Van Patten plays Amanda with Sharon Horgan as Knox's mother, Edda Mellas. However, Kercher's family was not involved (Stephanie Kercher told The Guardian last year that the family found it 'difficult to understand' how the dramatized retelling serves any purpose). To help make sense of it all, below you'll find a guide to some of the real-life events depicted in The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. However, if you don't know much about the case, be warned: There are some spoilers for the show ahead. Knox is studying at the University of Washington when she applies to spend an academic year abroad, opting for the picturesque Italian college town of Perugia. As reported by Rolling Stone, the 20-year-old Knox wants to 'expand her horizons' and 'live without a safety net' in her junior year. Knox rents a room in a cottage at 7 Via della Pergola, taking the last available spot in the four-bedroom accommodation. Kercher is also part of a study abroad program and has already moved in; the two other roommates are both Italian women in their late 20s. In the weeks after moving in, Kercher and Knox hang out with the guys living in the basement apartment below them. It is here they meet 20-year-old Rudy Guede, a basketball acquaintance of Kercher's new boyfriend, Giacomo Silenzi. On October 25, Knox and Kercher go to a Schubert recital at the local university, and when Kercher leaves at the intermission, 23-year-old student Raffaele Sollecito approaches Knox. The two immediately hit it off, with Sollecito hanging out at the bar (Le Chic) where Knox works later that same evening. Knox goes back to Sollecito's apartment that night, and the pair are inseparable for the next week. Knox is scheduled to work a shift at Le Chic on the evening of November 1, but owner Patrick Lumumba texts that it is so quiet that she doesn't need to come in. Knox and Sollecito cook, smoke a joint, and watch Amelie. They turn their phones off for the evening. The following morning, Knox leaves Sollecito's apartment to return to her place, where she showers, changes her clothes, and grabs a mop and bucket, to clean up a leaky pipe at Sollecito's. When Knox arrives home, the front door is ajar. Knox's two other roommates are away for the holiday weekend (All Saints' Day), and Kercher's door is closed. Knox explains her thought process after she finds drops of blood in an email sent to friends and family two days later (and shared with Rolling Stone), saying she believed it was 'nothing to worry about.' It is only when she sees feces in the toilet in the other bathroom that Knox panics that there might be an intruder. Knox calls Sollecito, whose apartment is a five-minute walk away. A broken window in another room suggests that someone had been there, and Kercher isn't answering her phone. Sollecito tries to break down Kercher's locked bedroom door, but it won't budge. They return outside, where Sollecito called the carabinieri (Italian military police). In the meantime, two postal police arrive with two cellphones that have been found in a bush half a mile away, which are registered to Knox's roommate, Filomena Romanelli. Then Romanelli, her boyfriend, and two of her friends arrive. One of Romanelli's friends breaks down Kercher's door, and Kercher's partially clothed body (which is covered with a duvet) is discovered inside. Someone had cut Kercher's throat, and her time of death is estimated to be between 8:30 P.M. on November 1 and 4 A.M. the following morning (the long timeframe is due to a delay in taking body temperature). While Kercher's British friends fly home to the UK, and Knox's two roommates hire lawyers, Knox voluntarily speaks with the Italian police without legal representation. Knox is interviewed multiple times over the next few days, and her phone is tapped. Paparazzi capture Knox kissing Sollecito outside the 'House of Horrors,' and her seemingly at-ease and amorous behavior in the days after the murder becomes a cornerstone in the court of public opinion. Knox's mother encourages her to fly home, but Knox thinks she can help with the investigation. But on the night of November 5, Knox accompanies Sollecito to the police station, and they are both interrogated for prolonged periods overnight. Sollecito admits that Knox could've left in the middle of the night while he slept, and the sleep-deprived Knox signs a confession that she was in the room next door to Kercher's when she was stabbed and that it was her boss, Patrick Lumumba, who killed Kercher. Knox, Sollecito, and Lumumba are all arrested. Patrons from Le Chic provide an alibi for Lumumba. Meanwhile, the Rome forensic police match the fingerprints in Kercher's bedroom to Rudy Guede, who is arrested in Germany on November 20. Lumumba is released and later sues Knox for slander. Then, Guede is extradited to Italy in December. Guede, Knox, and Sollecito are charged with murder. They will be held in detention until a trial date is set. A working theory in these early stages regarding the motive from 'public minister' Giuliano Mignini (whose job is part detective, part district attorney) is that Kercher was killed in a satanic ritual. Later, this is downgraded to 'a drug-fueled sex game that went awry' (as per The New York Times). Leaks are common from the start, with security footage from a lingerie shop or theories from the prosecution ending up in the news Guede has an expedited trial, which comes with a reduced maximum sentence. He is found guilty of sexual assault and murder. He is sentenced to 30 years. Knox and Sollecito are now formally indicted on murder charges. In the lead up to this indictment, Knox's family speaks about how much Knox is being vilified by the tabloid press, with many publications twisting the childhood nickname 'Foxy Knoxy' (that Knox earned when she played soccer) to have sexual connotations. Knox and Sollecito's trial begins January 16, and the prosecution is still maintaining it was a 'drug-fueled sex game gone awry.' Sollecito's lawyer counters that they were 'two lovebirds in the first week of their romance,' not a couple looking for excitement. Knox is also painted as a 'she-devil' who manipulated Sollecito into doing whatever she wanted. The trial doesn't conclude until December, and during these 12 months, Knox remains a fascination for the media—represented as a temptress and an innocent. Knox testifies that the police hit her during the interrogation, and the Italian justice system is now under the international microscope. The defense argues that DNA evidence is contaminated (due to how many people walked through the crime scene) and that the evidence is mainly circumstantial. Regardless of these factors and an emotional appeal by Knox, in December, a jury of six civilians and two judges finds Knox and Sollecito guilty on all counts. Knox receives a sentence of 26 years (she has an additional guilty verdict for slander against Lumumba), and Sollecito gets 25 years. The appeal trial begins for Knox and Sollecito. Both defense teams are focusing on DNA evidence, including traces of Sollecito's DNA on Kercher's bra clasp (which wasn't discovered at the crime scene until 47 days after the murder) and traces of Kercher's DNA found on the alleged murder weapon—a bread knife recovered from Sollecito's kitchen. After being behind bars for nearly four years, Knox and Sollecito are acquitted on October 3. Slander against Lumumba is the only charge for which Knox receives a guilty verdict (the three-year sentence has already been served by this point). The DNA evidence that was vital in convicting the pair in 2009 now helps overturn the verdict; independent experts successfully argued that contamination was a possibility. The prosecution team states that they will appeal this appellate court verdict to the Italian Supreme Court. Knox returns to Seattle the following day, where the press are waiting outside her family home. Guede's conviction of sexual assault and murder is upheld, though his sentence has already been reduced from 30 to 16 years. On Valentine's Day, the prosecution team files an appeal to the Italian Supreme Court (Court of Cassation) to seek a new trial for Knox and Sollecito. The Italian justice system allows for various appeals on both the defense and prosecution side. In this instance, if the acquittal is reversed, then Knox can be tried in absentia. 'We're not considering that possibility; for us, she has been acquitted. That's how the system works, but for us it's a hypothesis far into the future,' says one of Knox's lawyers, Luciano Ghirga. Two days later, it is reported that Knox has sold a tell-all memoir to HarperCollins for nearly $4 million. The Court of Cassation (the Italian Supreme Court) overturns Knox and Sollecito's acquittal on March 26, meaning they will have to stand trial again. HarperCollins says they will still release Knox's memoir, Waiting to Be Heard, as planned, on April 30. The retrial begins September 30 with neither Knox nor Sollecito present in the Florentine court. While Sollecito attends some court hearings, Knox remains in the U.S. throughout this new trial as she is afraid that if she returns to Italy, authorities will put her in prison again. On January 30, Knox and Sollecito are re-convicted of murder. Knox's new sentence is 28 and a half years, Sollecito's is still 25 years. The process continues to swing between courthouses, and the pair can appeal this latest twist. The following day, a teary Knox appears on Good Morning America, saying she 'will never go willingly back' to Italy and plans to fight any extradition attempt. In a verdict that shocks Italy, the Court of Cassation overturns the convictions of Knox and Sollecito, rather than sending the case back down to the lower court. They are cleared of all charges (except for Knox's slander charge). They will not face a retrial. Neither Sollecito nor Knox is present in court to hear the verdict. In September, the Court of Cassation explains its verdict is informed by the 'culpable omissions of investigative activity' and 'contradictory evidence.' The Netflix documentary Amanda Knox premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival. Knox, Sollecito, Mignini, and freelance reporter Nick Pisa (whose regular coverage included salacious exclusive stories for The Daily Mail that fueled the perception of Knox) participated in this account of the events. The documentary goes on to receive two Emmy nominations. The European Court of Human Rights orders Italy to pay €18,400 (approximately $21,000) in damages for failing to provide Knox with access to a lawyer during the November 2007 interviews. However, they found no evidence of the 'inhuman or degrading treatment' that Knox alleged took place during the interrogations. Knox returns to Italy for the first time in nearly a decade. In the years since her conviction was overturned, Knox has been working with nonprofits like the Innocence Project. At the Criminal Justice Festival in Modena, she serves as a keynote speaker and is a guest on a panel discussing trials by media. Knox marries author Christopher Robinson. In an interview with the New York Times, Knox announces the birth of her first child, Eureka. Knox remains close with Catholic priest Don Saulo, who was the chaplain at Cappane prison where Knox was incarcerated for four years. Don Saulo helps facilitate a meeting in the summer of 2022 with prosecutor Mignini. The latter was instrumental in painting Knox as a sex-crazed vixen, but Knox wants to meet face-to-face. Her family voices objections to Knox writing to and meeting with the prosecutor. 'But I was haunted by this 'Why?' question. Why did this happen to me? If they had done their job correctly, I would be a footnote in Meredith's story,' Knox tells The Guardian. Knox also reunites with Sollecito during this trip in the town of Gubbio, which was where they had planned to visit 15 years earlier. On her podcast, Labyrinths, Knox explains the slander conviction is one that some people see as 'proof that I am a liar and I am an unsavory person and that I have something to hide and I've never told the full truth about what happened to Meredith and only somebody who was involved in the crime would ever even make statements that implicated themselves and others.' It is why she has fought to have it overturned. Knox is convicted again of this charge in an appellate court in Florence, Italy. The highest court (Court of Cassation) in Italy upholds the slander conviction against Knox. Knox releases her second memoir, Free: My Search For Meaning.
USA Today
7 hours ago
- USA Today
Amanda Knox, Monica Lewinsky reclaim the red carpet together
Amanda Knox and Monica Lewinsky are reclaiming their stories on the red carpet. The "Waiting to Be Heard" author and the anti-bullying activist posed together on the red carpet Aug. 19 while promoting their new eight-part Hulu series "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox" (now streaming). For the show's New York City premiere, Knox wore a long, lacy Giambattista Valli Paris dress paired with pink Aquazzura heels, while Lewinsky stunned in a gold dress and pumps. It's been nearly two decades since Knox, then a 20-year-old student at the University of Washington, traveled 5,600 miles to study abroad in Perugia, Italy, about two hours north of Rome. Knox moved into an apartment, which she'd share with Meredith Kercher, a 21-year-old British student. The two had become friends, but police arrested Knox and charged her with murdering Kercher. The new Hulu show follows Knox's nightmare journey, spending nearly four years in an Italian prison before being acquitted in 2011. She'd be found guilty (again) in 2014 and finally exonerated in 2015. Lewinsky, too, has faced the scrutiny of mainstream media's sometimes harsh light. The media painted the former White House intern, who had an affair with President Bill Clinton in the 1990s while he was in office, as a "little tart" (The Wall Street Journal) and "a ditsy, predatory White House intern" (The New York Times). Amanda Knox: 'Twisted Tale' asks, 'in the wake of trauma, how do you rebuild your life?' Monica Lewinsky produced 'Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' on Hulu Over the past decade, though, Lewinsky reclaimed the affair's public fallout as a contributing writer to Vanity Fair with a viral 2015 TED talk about public shaming. In more recent years, Lewinsky – who is credited as an executive producer on "Twisted Tale" – has rebounded as a rising producer in Hollywood. Knox said that Lewinsky "held my hand through this experience because she's been a trailblazer in this regard of a woman who had her worst experience used to bury her and turn her into a punchline," adding that she came "back and reclaimed her sense of self and her purpose in life and didn't allow all of these external forces to diminish her." She first stepped into the industry in September 2021 as a producer on Ryan Murphy's "Impeachment: American Crime Story," partly inspired by events in her own life. That fall, she executive-produced the HBO documentary "15 Minutes of Shame." "From my own experience, the first step was surviving," Lewinsky told USA TODAY. "Holding on to the hope that things can change. It won't be as bad as it is in the eye of the storm forever." Knox told USA TODAY that Lewinsky's reclamation made her believe that "there was perhaps a path forward for me in this world." So Knox asked to meet, and the pair later became friends. When Lewinsky learned four years later that Knox wanted to adapt her 2013 memoir, she reached out. The rest is history (or a Hulu series out now).
