Prosecutors said they will pursue a premeditated murder charge against Oscar Pistorius after he was formally charged Friday, according to The Associated Press.
Oscar Pistorius arrested: Prosecutors will seek premeditated murder charge
Prosecutors say the Paralympic athlete planned the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.
Paul Cunningham-US PRESSWIRE
The Paralympic athlete allegedly murdered his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, Thursday in South Africa. She was shot multiple times at Pistorius’ home in Pretoria:
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel said Friday in court it was premeditated murder, indicating the prosecution would file that more serious charge, upgraded from murder.
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Prosecutors said Friday that they would argue the history-making Olympic athlete - the first amputee to run at the games - had planned Steenkamp’s killing. It sent South Africans reeling further as their national hero and a global role model for people in overcoming adversity was set to face accusations that he intentionally gunned down his girlfriend.
Pistorius’ bail hearing will be next Tuesday and Wednesday. Police have said “they oppose the granting of bail.” Pistorius will be held at a police station until the hearing, according to the AP.
Despite entering the courthouse “composed,” according to the AP, Pistorius broke down in tears later on.
Police said an autopsy is being performed on Steenkamp, who was also a “budding reality TV show participant,” according to the story.
Pistorius, 26, is nicknamed “Blade Runner” after his performance at the 2012 London Olympics. He reached the semifinal of the 400-meter sprint on prosthetics. He was also on the South Africa 4x400 relay team. At the Paralympics, he won three medals.
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