Rudy Guede, who was convicted for the 2007 murder of British student Meredith Kercher in Perugia, Italy, is scheduled to return to court this fall on charges of sexual assault and violence against a former girlfriend. The trial is set to begin on November 4, 2023, in Viterbo, where Guede will face allegations stemming from his relationship with a 25-year-old woman.
Guede, now 38 years old, has been a controversial figure since his conviction in October 2008 for the brutal murder of Kercher. He received a 30-year prison sentence, which was later reduced on appeal. Guede’s early release in 2021 was granted due to good behavior, but his legal troubles are far from over.
According to investigating magistrate Rita Cialoni, the evidence for the upcoming trial includes over 100,000 photos and thousands of messages exchanged between Guede and the unnamed victim. The woman reported mistreatment and stalking, leading to her decision to press charges in 2023 after the two had begun dating while Guede was still in prison.
The case of Meredith Kercher remains a focal point in Italian and international media, having inspired more than two dozen books and three films. The complexities surrounding the murder led to a highly publicized legal battle involving American student Amanda Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito. Both were initially convicted in 2009 but were exonerated by Italy’s Supreme Court in 2015.
As Guede prepares for his new trial, his lawyer, Carlo Mezzetti, has asserted his client’s innocence, expressing concerns about the fairness of the upcoming proceedings due to Guede’s prior conviction.
The renewed focus on Guede’s legal issues highlights the ongoing impact of the Kercher case, which continues to resonate deeply within society. As the trial approaches, many will be watching to see how this latest chapter unfolds in a case that has captivated the public for over a decade.