Ellington

The story of Amanda Knox has been endlessly sensationalized in the media during the past year, while Knox herself has been awaiting trial in Italy.

All the while, her family and friends have been struggling to do what they can from afar.

Friday night, a group of Knox’s friends and family members sought to escape from the media spectacle and legal aspects that have surrounded much of the case and instead, came together, bonding through their support for Knox to raise money for her family as they weather the storm.

The fundraiser took place in the Holy Rosary School Hall in West Seattle. Friends planned and catered the event, asking for a $50 donation from those in attendance. A slideshow with pictures of Amanda played while guests mingled; there was no talk of the case or evidence.

“A lot of Amanda’s friends have been talking about getting together and helping her and her parents,” David Johnsrud said.

Johnsrud described himself as one of Knox’s closest friends, saying he and Knox used to climb together and were friends all through college.

“The whole event was focused on her and just getting together and saying positive things,” he said. “... but that was secondary to raising money.”

During the past year, Knox’s parents have incurred substantial debt through various legal and travel expenses from supporting their daughter. In addition to buying plane tickets and hiring lawyers, Knox’s parents have also had to hire a public relations representative to handle the media storm that has surrounded them. Furthermore, because of differences within the Italian prison system, they also had to pay fees to make sure Amanda is getting proper nutrition as she awaits trial in prison.

“When you think about your friend, daughter, niece, cousin sitting in a jail cell in a foreign country, it’s tough,” Johnsrud said.

Madison Paxton, another one of Knox’s close friends who helped invite people to the event, was encouraged by the response the event recieved.

“It was so wonderful to see so many people willing to show support,” Paxton said. “Sometimes it feels like we’re the only ones who know her or care, so it kind of gave me more hope.”

Knox, whose trial is set to begin Dec. 4, has been indicted for murder and sexual violence. However, her family and friends are anticipating delays, as there have already been many.

“They’ve already missed numerous deadlines,” Paxton said of the Italian prosecutor handling Knox’s case. “Since there are only two to three hearings per month in Italy, the trial could last till September of next year.”

Friends are hoping to continue fundraising events like the one held Friday night, to ensure that Knox’s family can continue to visit her as she waits in Italy. Through the fundraisers, they hope to emphasize that regardless of the outcome of the trial, Knox will still need her family there for her.

“Amanda plays a large role in quite a few people’s lives, and Seattle feels empty without her,” Johnsrud said. “It feels like it’s missing something … but there’s not a lot that we can do except wait for the Italian legal system to run its course and hope for a favorable outcome.”

Reach reporter Casey Smith at

news@dailyuw.com.