problems with that . '' An Italian appeals court on Monday overturned Knox 's murder conviction in the 2007 death of her roommate , British student Meredith Kercher . Knox initially was sentenced to 26 years in prison . Knox 's mother and stepfather , Edda and Curt Mellas , also thanked those who have supported their family , as well as the Italian attorneys who fought on her behalf . `` Meredith was Amanda 's friend , '' said Philadelphia attorney Theodore Simon , who spoke at the news conference . Knox wants the Kercher family to be remembered , Simon said as Knox nodded and appeared to fight tears . Knox supporters in Seattle said they planned a rousing welcome . `` To Amanda herself , we say , ` Way to go , kid , ' '' Tom Wright , founder of the group Friends of Amanda Knox , said Monday night . `` We look forward to welcoming you home with open arms and open hearts , '' Wright said , reading a statement . `` You have well deserved , and will well deserve , all the joy and warmth and fun of your normal
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In brief remarks to the media just after returning to her hometown of Seattle , an emotional Amanda Knox thanked those who believed in her and supported her fight to overturn her murder conviction in Italy . `` I 'm really overwhelmed right now , '' said a tearful Knox , who arrived to cheering supporters at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport . `` I was looking down from the airplane , and it seemed like everything was n't real . '' `` What 's important for me to say is just thank you , to everyone who has believed in me , who has defended me , who has supported my family , '' she said , her voice shaking . Being with her family , she said , is `` the most important thing to me right now . '' `` Thank you for being there for me , '' she said . Knox and her family were on a British Airways flight that landed in Seattle about 8:12 p.m. ET . Before beginning her remarks , Knox smiled and said , `` They 're reminding me to speak in English , because I 'm having