Friends of Amanda react to verdict

In Seattle, Washington, a dozen Amanda Knox supporter burst into applause and cheers after learning that the charge against the Seattle native had been overturned, reports CBS News. Amanda Knox was charged with the murder of her roommate, British exchange student Meredith Kercher.  

The supporters, who were part of a group called Friends of Amanda, waited breathlessly for the translation of the verdict. The group was gathered at a downtown Seattle hotel to watch the legal proceedings on television. 

As soon as they learned that Knox was to be freed, they began chanting "She's Free!" and "We did it!" reported CBS News. 

More from GlobalPost: Amanda Knox found not guilty.  

For the friends and family of Amanda Knox, it was a sleepless night in the Seattle as the case rolled out, reports ABC News.  

Knox grew up in Seattle, attending a prestigious Jesuit high school. Her grandmother, uncle, and a few other relatives were the only family members who didn't make it to Perugia to await the verdict during her appeal, according to Forbes.  

"She's a person of stellar character," said Tom Wright, a friend of the Knox family reports Forbes.

Friends of Amanda has raised about $100,000 as part of the Knox family's defense fund. They've rallied former police investigators and forensic specialists to help them prove Knox is innocent. 

As Amanda made her final statement to the judge and jury, her friends, who had known her both in high school as well as college at the University of Washington, listened to her words carefully. 

"I am the same person I was four years ago," Knox said in Italian. "The same person- the only thing that distinguishes me from four years ago is my suffering. I want to go back home. I want to go back to my life." 

According to CBS News, Knox paused for breath frequently, and fought back tears as she mad her ten minute address. 

Knox had been sentenced to 26 years in prison. Her boyfriend at the time, Rafaele Sollecito, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison, has also had his statement overturned.