Italian authorities are on the hunt for a mysterious Bulgarian woman in connection with the killing of British student Meredith Kercher. Kercher, a 21-year-old University of Leeds exchange student, was murdered in 2007 while studying in Umbria. The case gained global attention as American citizen Amanda Knox and her Italian boyfriend were initially convicted before being acquitted by Italy’s highest court.

Another student, Rudy Guede, received a 30-year prison sentence in October 2008 for Kercher’s murder, later reduced on appeal. Guede was released early in 2021 for good behavior and is facing trial for a separate rape case. Prosecutors announced their search for the Bulgarian woman, who reportedly left Italy shortly after the murder.

Former lead prosecutor Giuliano Mignini revealed that a reliable source had identified the woman as a new potential suspect in the case. While her identity remains undisclosed, it is believed she was present in the vicinity at the time of the crime. Mignini emphasized the significance of tracking her down for the investigation.

Authorities clarified that the individual of interest may not necessarily be a suspect but could provide valuable witness testimony. In response to these developments, Francesco Maresca, the Kercher family’s lawyer, emphasized the importance of obtaining more information and honoring Meredith’s memory.

The Kercher family previously criticized Amanda Knox for her Disney+ series, accusing her of exploiting their daughter’s murder for publicity. Maresca expressed the family’s desire for a dignified portrayal of Meredith’s life instead of focusing on Knox’s innocence claims.