As Italian coroners today began an autopsy on American Ashley Olsen’s body and police went over hours of surveillance video, the case is already being compared to the murder trial of American Amanda Knox.
In this case a pretty American woman is the victim, whereas Amanda’s case ludicrously saw the beauty repeatedly accused of murder, tried, acquitted and tried again over the course of four years, as allowed by the byzantine Italian justice system.
But the Florence police chief, Raffaele Micillo, was intent on not repeating Amanda’s experience. He called Ashley’s death “a very grave occurrence and we are giving it utmost attention and we are working in sync with the prosecutors’ office.”
Police have said the victim’s neck had bruises and scratches that could suggest strangulation. The results of the autopsy could be known as soon as tomorrow.
Investigators also said there were no signs of a break-in, indicating that Ashley likely knew her killer.
Ashley’s boyfriend, a 35-year-old Italian artist, has been questioned in connection with the case.
Friends of Ashley told police that she stayed behind at a nightclub Thursday night when the friends decided to leave. Her body was found Saturday afternoon.
Her loyal beagle, Scout, was found unharmed inside the apartment.
In a possible clue, at least two Instagram posts from Ashley use the hashtag “#creeper,” possibly suggesting she was concerned about someone stalking her.
