SEOUL, South Korea -- A woman accused of beating a Westmoreland County college student to death for making unwanted sexual advances in a motel room was acquitted in a South Korean courtroom Thursday.

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Slain Girl's Mom Reacts To Acquittal

Kenzi Snider (pictured, right) cried while a Seoul District Court translator read the not guilty verdict in the death of 21-year-old Jamie Penich (pictured, left).

Justice Kim Nam-tae said there wasn't enough evidence to convict the 21-year-old Snider, who was accused of killing Penich, of Derry, while they were on an exchange program in 2001.

Snider, who attended Marshall University at the time, confessed to killing Penich, who was a junior at Pitt. But Snider testified that FBI and U.S. military investigators coerced her into admitting her guilt, and Kim said the court would not accept the confession.

According to U.S. federal court documents, Snider said she became enraged when Penich kissed and fondled her and tried to take off her pants after a night of drinking and dancing.

Kim said written reports are inadmissible as evidence under Korean law.

Snider's mother sprinkled her with salt as she was released from prison Thursday morning, then had her step on a raw egg and eat some uncooked tofu. It's a local tradition that is believed to purify the souls of freed inmates and keep them from returning.

Snider must stay in the country for a week while prosecutors decide whether to appeal.

Hear From The Penich Family Tonight On Action News At 5 P.M.