Victim 'refused violent sex'
Updated on 06 November 2007
Italian police claim British student Meredith Kercher was murdered because she refused to take part in violent sex.
Three people have been detained in Perugia in Italy over the death on grounds of sexual violence and premeditated murder.
They include the victim's American flatmate, Amanda Knox, and Amanda's Italian boyfriend.
Meredith Kercher was found in her room in Perugia on Friday, partially clothed and with a deep cut to her throat.
Meredith Kercher died in her bedroom in the early hours of Friday morning as a result of a sexually motivated attack.
The three were taken into police custody shortly before 7am. When police were asked by reporters if one of the three had confessed to the crime, they are reported to have answered that this was a valid hypothesis.
The 21-one year old student had only been in Perugia since August. On Friday morning police found her semi-naked with her throat cut. It seems the police have a wealth of forensic evidence to go on. Finger prints were found on her mobile phone and a footprint in her bedroom.
Last night at Perugia Cathedral a vigil was held by students and residents. In a tribute, Meredith's family said she was "the most beautiful, intelligent, witty and caring person you could wish to meet."
