Italy's highest court overturned the murder conviction against Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend Friday, bringing closure to a high-profile case that was followed around the world.
The decision is the final ruling in the case, ending the long and contentious legal battle waged by Knox and Italian co-defendant Raffaele Sollecito.
Both Knox and Sollecito have maintained their innocence in the death of British student Meredith Kercher.
Kercher, 21, was found dead Nov. 2, 2007, in the apartment that she shared with Knox and two other students. Her throat was slashed and she had been sexually assaulted.
The court's reasoning for its decision will be released within 90 days.
The case has been passionately debated on social media.
Knox currently resides in Seattle, where she is working as a journalist. She released a brief statement after the verdict, saying she was "tremendously relieved and grateful."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.