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Pistorius Charged With Premeditated Murder

Eric Parra |
February 19, 2013 | 7:47 p.m. PST

Executive Producer

Many who looked to Pistorius for inspiration have been shocked by the news. (creative commons)
Many who looked to Pistorius for inspiration have been shocked by the news. (creative commons)
Oscar Pistorius of Olympic fame, was charged with premeditated murder on Tuesday.

Prosecutors in South Africa claim that he shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, through the door of his bathroom where she was taking cover.  

From The Big Story:

“Oscar Pistorius wept Tuesday as his defense lawyer read the athlete's account of how he shot his girlfriend to death on Valentine's Day, claiming he had mistaken her for an intruder.”

READ MORE: Former Olympian Charged With Murder

As far as his story goes, Pistorius claims that he was under the impression an intruder had snuck into his home and tried to sneak into his bathroom, which was deserving of a gunshot. His story, according to the NY Times, was told much differently by the prosecutors as one about a calm and collected athlete “who had the presence of mind and calm to strap on his prosthetic legs, walk 20 feet to the bathroom door and open fire.”

In Pistorius’ defense, he spoke about not having his prosthetic legs on and feeling more vulnerable because of it.

The situation has been a major topic of discussion because of the shock around the world from a renowned sports hero.  Oscar Pistorius has been given the title of “Blade Runner” due to his status as a double amputee racer that participated in the 2012 London Olympics.

Under the conviction of a premeditated murder, the offender is sentenced to life. 

“Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair ruled that Pistorius must face the harshest bail requirements available in South African law. That means Pistorius' lawyers must offer "exceptional" reasons for the athlete to be free before trial, besides simply giving up his two South African passports and posting a cash bond.”

READ MORE: Nike Cuts Pistorius With Bail Hearing Scheduled For Tuesday

Pistorius’ emotional outbursts occurred frequently during the trial on Tuesday as well as the previous one on Friday, at times halting the trial and forcing the magistrate to remind him to control himself.

In the aftermath, multiple sponsorships have withdrawn their advertisements that relate to Pistorius. The court recessed in the midafternoon and will continue to hear evidence in the bail hearing on Wednesday. 

 

Read more on Neontommy's coverage of Oscar Pistorius here.

Reach Executive Producer Eric Parra here.



 

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