'Vampire comics inspired Meredith's murder'
Thursday, 23 Oct 2008 08:26
Meredith Kercher's semi-naked body was found partially covered by a duvet with her throat cut
Suggestions that vampire comics inspired the murder of British student Meredith Kercher have been dismissed by one of the suspects' lawyers.
Amanda Knox, 21, Rudy Hermann Guede, 21, and Raffaele Sollecito, 24, are all accused of killing the former Leeds university student in her Perugia flat in November.
The 21-year-old's semi-naked body was found partially covered by a duvet with her throat cut.
Prosecutor Giuliano Mignini suggested to the court that Mr Sollecito had been influenced by Japanese manga magazines found in his house.
However, his lawyer Marco Brusco ridiculed the theory, describing it as "stupid".
His client's defence process is set to begin at the court in Perugia on Friday. By Tuesday, the judge is expected to decide whether the 24-year-old and his former girlfriend Ms Knox will stand trial for the murder.
Mr Guede has requested a separate fast-track trial, because he fears the former couple will attempt to frame him.
He has already admitted being in Ms Kercher's room and stated the pair were planning on having sex, but denies any involvement in her death.
All three have denied the allegations.