From the Olympics to prison, Oscar Pistorius known as the “blade runner” captured the hearts of people around the world as the double amputee won gold and silver medals. The love then turned to disdain as he was accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and past domestic disputes came to light. In this particular case Pistorius insisted that he mistook her for an intruder when he shot her through a toilet door on Valentine’s Day 2013 and it appears Judge Thokozile Masipa believed him.
Pistorius was sentenced to five years in prison for the charge of culpable homicide, which in South Africa means a person was killed unintentionally, but unlawfully.
Under South African law, he will have to serve at least one-sixth of his sentence — 10 months — before he can ask to be considered for parole.
The prosecution had asked for a minimum prison sentence of 10 years for Pistorius. Pistorius’ defense had called for a sentence of house arrest and community service.
It is unknown yet if either side will appeal, they have 14-days to do so. Neither Pistorius nor Steenkamp’s family had any immediate reaction to the verdict.
h/t CNN
