Here is our most recent updates on Oscar Pistorius, the Blade Runner. Jon Gugala is following the situation for Runblogrun.com. As one media observer reminded us this afternoon, it is important to not make a judgement as the situation is way too fluid at this point. Descriptions and situations have changed several times since the breaking of this terrible tragedy.
“Blade Runner” Charged
with Murder Friday, Disputes Allegations in “Strongest Terms”
by Jon Gugala
PRETORIA, South Africa –
More information has come out in the death of double-leg amputee/Olympian Oscar
Pistorius’s girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, which occurred on Thursday
morning. However, a complete picture of what actually happened has yet to be
fully revealed by either Pistorius, his team, or the prosecution.
While early reports
suggested that Steenkamp, 30, was shot by Pistorius accidentally when confused
as a home-invader, police have denied the suspicion, and the state’s
prosecution, in a hearing on Friday morning, announced it would be pursuing a
charge of “premeditated murder,” a more serious shade of the crime. If
convicted, Pistorius would face a mandatory life sentence, with the possibility
of parole in 25 years.
Local newspaper Beeld reported the police were called to Pistorius’s home
early Thursday morning two hours before the shooting occurred after neighbors
complained of a fight. It would have been at approximately 2:00 A.M.
Beeld and other news agencies, citing sources from inside
the Pretoria police department, say the four shots that killed Steenkamp were
through a bathroom door. However, this information has not officially released.
Pistorius, who became the
first double-leg amputee to compete in the Olympics when he was part of the
South African squad this past summer in the 400m and 4-by-400m, has not
formally commented, though a statement issued through his agent says the charges
are “disputed in the strongest terms.”
“He has made it very clear
that he would like to send his deepest sympathies to the family of Reeva . . .
. [O]ur thoughts and prayers today should be for Reeva and her family – regardless
of the circumstances,” it said.
In court on Friday,
Pistorius, 26, “repeatedly wept, at times sobbing and holding his face in his
hands,” the New York Times
reports. He did not enter a plea.
Pistorius’s legal team
requested a postponement of the bail hearing until Tuesday, Feb. 19. In the
meantime, he will remain in police custody.
RunBlogRun will continue
to follow and update the story as it occurs.
