PRETORIA (AP) — An uncle of South African track star Oscar Pistorius says, “It’s a big burden off us.”
He’s reacting with relief to a decision by a judge in Pretoria to declare Pistorius not guilty of murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, last year. The judge instead found Pistorius guilty of culpable homicide. His sentencing hearing will take place next month.
Pistorius could get anything from a suspended sentence and a fine to a maximum of 15 years in prison. Prosecutors say they won’t make a decision on whether to appeal the verdict until after the sentencing.
The double-amputee Olympian said he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he shot her, while the prosecution said he killed her intentionally after an argument. The judge said there wasn’t enough evidence to support the contention that PIstorius knew Steenkamp was behind a locked toilet door in his home when he fired through the door.
The judge granted Pistorius bail, and he left the courtroom surrounded by police officers.
Speaking in the courtroom afterward, the runner’s uncle, Arnold Pistorius, said the family was “grateful” to the judge. He said, “A tragic event like this, there’s no victors in this.”
%@AP Links
142-a-16-(Nathi Mncube (NAH’-tee ehm-NKOO’-beh), spokesman, South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority, with reporters)-“played its’ role”-A spokesman for South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority, Nathi Mncube, says the prosecution isn’t happy with the court ruling. (12 Sep 2014)
<
137-a-06-(Arnold Pistorius, uncle of Oscar Pistorius, reading family statement after verdict was announced)-“victors in this”-Arnold Pistorius says the trial was difficult for everybody. (12 Sep 2014)
<
123-a-12-(Judge Thokozile Masipa (toh-koh-ZEE’-leh mah-SEE-pah), reading her conclusions concerning Oscar Pistorius)-“possibly be true”-Judge Thokozile Masipa says it’s possible Oscar Pistorius’ version of what happened when he killed Reeva Steenkamp could be true. (12 Sep 2014)
<
APPHOTO XDF128: Oscar Pistorius sits in the dock looking in court in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, Sept. 12, 2014. Judge Thokozile Masipa found Pistorius guilty of culpable homicide for the shooting death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Sentencing procedures will start Oct. 13. (AP Photo/Siphiwe Sibeko, Pool) (12 Sep 2014)
<
APPHOTO XDF120: Mother of the late Reeva Steenkamp, June Steenkamp, in court in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, Sept. 12, 2014. In passing judgement judge Thokozile Masipa ruled out a murder conviction for the double-amputee Olympian in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, but said he was negligent and convicted him of culpable homicide. (AP Photo/Alon Skuy, Pool) (12 Sep 2014)
< Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
