Many folks were outraged that this former Olympian wasn’t convicted yesterday of premeditated murder, or just straight up ‘murder’ in general.
Well, Oscar Pistorius was found GUILTY of at least one charge — even if it was the lesser of all the charges.
On Friday, Oscar was convicted of culpable homicide, which is about the same as manslaughter in the U.S., and could get a sentence that could see him under house arrest or sent to jail for a maximum fifteen years!
After the sentencing Judge Thokozile Masipa told Oscar Pistorius that Oscar acted “too hastily” and used “excessive force” when he shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last February in 2013. She ended her decision by calling Oscar’s behavior “negligent.”
She allowed the Paralympic athlete to leave the courtroom on bail until his sentencing that will be handed down in October. The athlete known as Blade Runner was asked to stand by the judge as she delivered her sentence and said:
“The accused acted negligently when he fired shots into the toilet door knowing there was someone behind the door. A reasonable person would have foreseen the possibility that the person behind the door might have been killed by the shots.”
Although Oscar has been very emotional throughout this six month trial — he stood and heard his decision without any discernible emotion on his face.
Steenkamp’s best friend and her family were in tears as the judge handed down her decision. The prosecuting team were needless to say “disappointed” with the South Africa court’s decision.
We’re sure they will still fight hard though to make sure Oscar receives as much prison time as they can get for him. Although we’ll have to see on October 13th.
[Image via AP Images.]
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