This past Sunday, former
Olympian and Paralympian, Oscar Pistorius, was rushed from
jail to a local hospital in South Africa, after a failed
suicide bid. Pistorius denied that he tried to commit
suicide and had fallen out of bed, but injuries to both
wrists indicate he tried to cut his wrist, creating
superficial wounds. It's highly unlike a fall out of bed
would injure both wrists in a manner that leaves wounds.
Oscar Pistorius
Pistorius, who is in
jail for the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, model
Reeva Steenkamp, plunged into a worst state of depression at
the start of this year's Olympics this past weekend.
Powerful memories of his time competing in the Olympics was
likely the trigger, plunging him into a state of clinical
depression.
Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius
While I am very sorry
Steenkamp died, Pistorius needs mental health intervention.
Pistorius needs to be sedated and given mental health
counseling (on humanitarian grounds). He should serve his
time in jail and do charity work upon his release, to pay
his debt to society over the life lost. Once again, I am
truly sorry Steenkamp died. She was a beautiful, bright
young woman. My condolences again to her family and friends.
Former Olympian, Oscar Pistorius, was today sentenced to 6-years in jail over the shooting death of girlfriend, law student and model, Reeva Steenkamp, whom the athlete shot and killed at his home in Pretoria, South Africa in 2013. In 2014 Pistorius was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 5-years in jail. However, he was placed on house arrest during the prosecution's appeal in the case.
Public outcry over the well publicized sentence led to the appeal and the high court subsequently overturning the original verdict by Judge Thokozile Masipa. In December 2015, the high court ruled Pistorius must be tried in court again again, but on the more severe charge of murder, as oppose to manslaughter.
Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius
Pistorius was convicted again today, as a result of the high court remanding the case back to heavily criticized Judge Thokozile Masipa. There is public outcry again regarding the case, as under the law, the judge should have given Pistorius the 15-year statutory minimum for murder. However, she has given Pistorius less than half the mandatory. This has created anger on social networking and among women's rights groups. Comments are flooding website stating Masipa continues to show bias in her rulings regarding "fallen hero" Pistorius. Many are stating Pistorius was given a slap on the wrist and could be released from prison in 2-years, whereas other South Africans who committed lesser crimes, such as theft, were given 12-15 years in prison.
The African National Congress Women's League spokesperson, Jacqui Mofokeng, slammed the sentence, "The judgment is an insult to women. It's an insult we saw coming a mile off and an increasingly mundane insult to which we have all become accustomed. We owe Reeva Steenkamp and women everywhere our outrage today, however subdued and demoralized we might feel. Because we known, deep down, that six years for murder isn't just insulting. It's dangerous."
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Oscar Pistorius sentencing: Live updates as six-year sentence is dubbed an 'insult to women' by equality campaigners
Updated 16:31, 6 Jul 2016 - Oscar Pistorius has been jailed for six years for the murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp this morning. The Olympic and Paralympic icon repeatedly shot the 29-year-old model after she barricaded herself in the bathroom of his home in Pretoria on February 2013. He appeared at North Gauteng High Court this morning after a three-and-a-half year legal battle.
During sentencing Judge Thokozile Masipa said there was no evidence that Ms Steenkamp and Pistorius had rowed on the night he gunned her down. “Counsel for the defence correctly submitted that there was an unfortunate perception in the minds of some people that on the night of the murder there was an argument between the accused and the deceased and that this is what led to the murder of the deceased,” she said.
“The existence of such a perception was inadvertently confirmed by the father of the deceased Barry Steenkamp‚ who‚ during the course of his evidence‚ let slip this very perception.” “The unfortunate part of it is that there is not a shred of evidence placed before this court that supports such a perception.”...
African National Congress spokesperson: Oscar Pistorius sentence 'insulting'
11:53 a.m. EDT July 6, 2016 - South African Judge Thokozile Masipa said “there is no indication at all” that former Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius and the girlfriend he murdered were in an abusive relationship. African National Congress Women’s League spokesperson Jacqui Mofokeng, however, called the Valentine’s Day 2013 murder of Reeva Steenkamp a clear case of gender violence shortly after Masipa found “substantial and compelling circumstances” to levy Pistorius with a six-year prison term, a fraction of the mandatory 15-year prison sentence.
“The judgment is an insult to women,” Mofokeng said in a statement. “It’s an insult we saw coming a mile off (and an) increasingly mundane insult to which we have all become accustomed. “We owe Reeva Steenkamp and women everywhere our outrage today, however subdued and demoralized we might feel. Because we know, deep down, that six years for murder isn’t just insulting. It’s dangerous.”...
Olympic and Paralympic sprinter, Oscar Pistorius was
sentenced to 5-years in jail in the killing of his girlfriend, model
Reeva Steenkamp. Reports indicate Pistorius will likely serve
10-months in jail in South Africa and the remainder of his sentence on house arrest.
Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius
This news has created outrage on the internet, as
many are stating on social networking the sentence is too light for
the crime. Pistorius maintains it was an accident and he thought
Steenkamp was an intruder. However, many discrepancies surfaced in
the case causing people to doubt his claims. Steenkamp's family
stated they are satisfied with the verdict.
After being acquitted of "premeditated murder"
athlete Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of manslaughter in the
shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The beautiful model
and reality star was shot dead by Pistorius in his home. Pistorius
stated he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder. Prosecutors in his
native South Africa are of the belief, the couple had a fight,
Steenkamp fled to the bathroom and Pistorius in a rage shot her to
death through the door.
Reeva Steenkamp
South African judge, Thokozile Masipa, ruled
Pistorius shooting Steenkamp four times would cause anyone to
believe death could result from discharging a firearm multiple
times. Other items have created pause among the public. Why would
Steenkamp have locked herself in the bathroom, putting the lock on,
if she was not afraid of being attacked. Secondly, why did Pistorius
wait so long to call for help. The life drained out of Steenkamp
while Pistorius waited so long after shooting her to call an
ambulance. It gives a certain impression.
Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius
Pistorius, who cried uncontrollably in court, is
currently free on bail in South Africa and must return to the court
next month to be sentenced regarding his manslaughter conviction.
Pistorius faces up to 15-years in prison on the manslaughter
conviction.
The internet reacted in shock yesterday when athlete
Oscar Pistorius was acquitted of premeditated murder charges in the
shooting death of girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. As the verdict was
read from the South African court and filtered out around the world,
people voiced their opinions on social networking calling it an
injustice.
Reeva Steenkamp
Judge Thokozile Masipa stated prosecutors had not
proven their case. She further stated "manslaughter" was a
"competent" charge, as he did in fact kill Steenkamp. However, the
prosecutors went for the highest charges they could muster, due to
Pistorius' history of domestic violence with other women, the
gruesome nature of the crime scene and the fact he did not call for
help after shooting Steenkamp.
The case should not be about Pistorius being famous,
an Olympian and a Paralympian. At the end of the day, a woman was
shot dead under bizarre circumstances. Her family is devastated and
demanding justice. Those are the only factors that should be of
relevance.
Evidence in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial has revealed several inconsistencies in the track star’s statements about the death of his girlfriend, Riva Steenkamp. The trial, which is currently under way in South Africa, is being presided over by a judge, not a jury, as said system was abolished years ago.
Oscar Pistorius
The testimony in the case has been powerful and gripping on both sides. Pistorius’ recollection of events on the night of the shooting do not reconcile with the timeline medical examiners have established in the death of the beautiful model. Pistorious stated he thought Steenkamp was an intruder in his home when he fired the fatal shots that claimed her life. Four bullets pierced Steenkamp’s body as she sat in a bathroom cubicle with her mobile phones. There has been so much speculation in the case thanks to sensationalism from select journalists to sell papers that the public is having trouble distinguishing the truth.
Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius
Discrepancies regarding the time Pistorius stated she Steenkamp had eaten and what she was wearing, have raised doubts about what truly transpired that night. Steenkamp’s parents are demanding answers due to several discrepancies in his story. Pistorius has been very distraught in court, even vomiting at one juncture. The Judiciary Report hopes this was just a dreadful accident, as lives have been changed in a drastic way and Steenkamp has passed away.
Olympian and Paralympian, Oscar Pistorius, has been cleared to
leave South Africa, in the middle of his murder trial, regarding the
tragic shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius formally
stated the shooting was an accident, while prosecutors maintain it was premeditated
murder. The court stated, " I find no reason why the applicant
should be forbidden from leaving the Republic of South Africa if he's
invited to compete in athletic events in other countries."
Oscar Pistorius
Pistorius is set to compete in the World Athletic Championships this
summer, but the question is, will he be ready, both physically and
mentally. Pistorius lost key training time due to his crucial murder
case and he is also in a fragile mental state. Running well takes
physical and mental strength. A distracted and troubled mind can prove
a hindrance. Additionally, how will audiences react, as the public is
divided on the case.
Oscar Pistorius held private memorial for
Reeva Steenkamp without her family and friends
Some press outlets, such as Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, remain in
overdrive making up stories about the shooting death of model Reeva
Steenkamp at the hands of boyfriend, sprinter, Oscar Pistorius. The
latest story, by another news outlet stated Steenkamp was pregnant when
she was shot to death.
Reeva Steenkamp
Her family, who have a right to be upset about this claim, slammed
the story. The model's father, Barry Steenkamp stated, "The post
mortem would have revealed if Reeva was pregnant and it did not reveal
anything like this. Maybe it comes from the other side, to garner and
build up some sort of support for Oscar."
Reeva Steenkamp's dad Barry Steenkamp
As this serious case is a matter of public interest, it is
imperative that the truth comes out, without anything added or taken
away from it. To do anything less would be to dishonor the deceased,
whose promising life was cut short in a incident that is nothing short
of tragic.
New reports in the press regarding the Oscar Pistorius murder trial
indicate the family of victim, Reeva Steenkamp were, "Told Reeva
Steenkamp's family that the model could have been beaten to death with
a cricket bat before being shot by Oscar Pistorius."
Reeva Steenkamp's dad Barry Steenkamp
It is also being stated, Steenkamp's family, who attended her
viewing and funeral, confirmed the body had, "Sustained horrific
head injuries." However, said claims have not been confirmed in
court during the trial. This sad story just keeps getting worse. What a
tragic waste of life and a horrible way to die.
Carl Pistorius, the brother of sprinter, Oscar Pistorius, is up on
murder charges in South Africa just like his famous sibling, who is
currently charged with "premeditated murder" in the death of
his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp. Carl's case is regarding a
traffic accident that left a woman dead.
Carl Pistorius
It is being reported, tests revealed he was not drunk at the time of
the accident. However, he is still liable in the woman's death. Charges
were initially dropped, but have been reinstated this month. Carl
Pistorius' attorney stated to the press, the charges will be challenged in court.
Oscar Pistorius is currently staying with his uncle in a posh suburb
of Pretoria, as he has been banned from reentering his home during the
case, as it is the scene of the crime where Steenkamp was killed. He
has been bailed until June 2013, when his murder trial resumes.
Barry Steenkamp and his wife, June Steenkamp, have spoken out about
the shooting death of their daughter, model, Reeva Steenhkamp, at the
hands of Olympic and Paralympic sprinter, Oscar Pistorius. The athlete
has stated in court that the shooting was an accident, as he mistook
Steenkamp for an intruder, but based on their statements, her parents
are not convinced.
Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius
Barry Steenkamp stated, "If it didn't happen the way he says it
did he must suffer and he will suffer. It does not matter how much
money he has and how good his legal team is, he will have to live with
his conscience. But if he speaks the truth, I can perhaps some day
forgive him."
Barry Steenkamp
June Steenkamp said of her daughter's death, "She loved like
no-one else could love. She had so much of herself to give and now all
of it is gone. Just like that, she is gone. In the blink of an eye and
a single breath, the most beautiful person who ever lived is no longer
here. All we have is this horrendous death to deal with, to get to
grips with. All we want are answers, answers as to why this had to
happen, why our beautiful daughter had to die like this."
Olympian and Paralympian, Oscar Pistorius, has been
granted conditional bail in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Conditions
of his bail include not returning to his mansion, which is the crime
scene, staying away from witnesses in the case and not consuming drugs
or alcohol. He must also report to police twice a week.
Not a lot is currently known about claims model Reeva Steenkamp, who
was shot to death by boyfriend, sprinter, Oscar Pistorius, was cheating
on him with hunky rugby football player, Francois Hougaard. The
muscular rugby star, who dated Steenkamp, was said to have been sending
her messages Wonline, which enraged Pistorius.
Francios Hougaard
Once again, these claims have not been confirmed, but it has been
stated police retained Steenkamp's iPad as evidence in the case.
Hougaard was seen at Steenkamp's funeral is South Africa, whilst
Pistorius, who is in custody for her death, continues to make his
application for bail in the case.
The lead investigator in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial, regarding the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, has been hit with attempted murder charges in Pretoria, South Africa. Hilton Botha, in his capacity as a police officer, opened fire on a bus of suspects, wounding several people. Charges against him in the case were announced today.
Some are stating he should not be involved in the Pistorius case due to his own legal troubles, but others state it has no effect on the athlete's conduct. Under the circumstances, for a fair trial to be obtained, especially in such a high profile matter, in front of the watching world, there needn't be any aspect thereof, perceived as tainted. It is best the investigator turns his file over to a colleague not facing the same legal issues.
Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp
Pistorius is still seeking bail, but prosecutors object, as he is a millionaire with the resources to flee South Africa. Pistorius' defense team attempted to use his disability to help him in this regard, stating he would not get far, due to being an amputee. I beg to differ. Paralympians move faster than the majority of the public and are fitter than most as well. The week before the Steenkamp murder, I tweeted a video of Pistorius outrunning a race horse by a comfortable margin.
But in all seriousness, if Pistorius gets bail, there is a risk he may commit suicide, as his life is in tatters and for all the world to see. It wouldn't be the right choice, but when a person is at their lowest ebb, they sometimes do not think rationally. His story is a dramatic fall from grace.
Some people with disabilities develop alcohol and substance abuse issues in attempting to deal with the emotionally pain of the loss of limbs or mobility. It is a very traumatic experience. However, the key is to see one's self as whole and equal to everyone else.
Olympic and Paralympic sprinter and murder suspect, Oscar Pistorius,
has withdrawn from all competition in the upcoming racing season,
despite the fact he is seeking bail in his criminal trial, regarding
the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. There may also
be another reason. Police acknowledged the fact steroids were found in
Pistorius' Pretoria, South Africa home, which is the crime scene.
Some will also interpret his announced withdrawal from all
competition in the upcoming racing season, to the aforementioned
steroids found in his property. However, Pistorius' legal defense team
has refuted the police claim regarding the alleged steroids in his
home, stating what was found by officers is a testosterone enzyme
product that is classified as a herbal remedy. Pistorius' lawyers state
the substance is legal. Medical tests are expected in this
regard.
Reeva Steenkamp
Prosecutors have laid out a very serious case against the gold
medalist and are adamant it was not an accident. They spoke in no
uncertain terms about their strong suspicion Pistorius’ actions
constitute "premeditated murder." They are of the belief,
Pistorius is lying about mistaking Steenkamp for a burglar.
Evidence presented indicates Steenkamp was in her night clothes and
an overnight bag was present in the property. Initially, it was
reported Steenkamp surprised Pistorius and he opened fire. Now
Pistorius’ defense team is stating the two were asleep in bed, he
woke up and went onto the balcony at 3:00 without his prosthetic legs.
Steenkamp went to the bathroom and Pistorius heard the noise, believing
it was a burglar. They are stating Pistorius did not realize Steenkamp
had gotten out of bed and went into the bathroom, as they allege it was
dark due to the lights being off.
Prosecutors do not believe Pistorius' account of events, stating
neighbors heard arguing and shortly after a woman's screams. Another
key claim is a neighbor stating the lights were on in Pistorius'
property, including the balcony in question. The neighbor stated he was
on his own balcony and saw the lights on at Pistorius' place.
Prosecutors believe Pistorius attacked Steenkamp in the bedroom
after the two had an argument (allegedly over his suspicion of her
cheating on him) and she fled into the bathroom, locking herself in the
toilet. Pistorius then opened fire, shooting her three times through
the locked door, as bullet wounds were found in Steenkamp's head, arm
and hip. The state alleges Steenkamp locked the door for a reason, as
she was in fear of her life, due to Pistorius' attack.
Some in the press alleged Pistorius called a friend rather than an
ambulance, implying he wasted crucial time when emergency medical
services could have been summoned, potentially saving Steenkamp's life.
However, it is estimated he called emergency services 20 minutes after
the shooting.
Many news sources have cited police leaks in the case, which
authorities have denied. Thus far, neither prosecutors or the police
have publicly confirmed claims in the mainstream press of Steenkamp's
skull being crushed with a cricket bat. It was stated today that other
than the gunshot wounds found in Steenkamp's body, there was no other
injury to her body.
This case marks a tragic turn of events regarding two promising
lives - both Steenkamp and Pistorius - who had so much going for them.
It is truly sad, as their lives have been destroyed. There is much to
be learned from this case. Those who are truly paying attention will
grasp those lessons and not walk down the same path.
Famous sprinter and double amputee, Oscar Pistorius, made another appearance in court
today, charged with the death of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp.
prosecutors painted a grim picture of how they believe Steenkamp died,
during a fight with Pistorius.
Oscar Pistorius
The description of the killing reveal
prosecutor's theories that Steenkamp and Pistorius had an argument,
which resulted in the athlete shooting her to death. 700 miles away
from the courthouse, Steenkamp was laid to rest in a funeral attended
by her family and friends.
After being remanded into custody, in Pretoria, South Africa, on "premeditated charges" in the murder of his girlfriend, model, Reeva Steenkamp, sprinter Oscar Pistorius is facing a significant legal battle for his freedom. It has been stated, Pistorius' prosethtic legs will be confiscated in jail, as they can be classified as a weapons.
Reeva Steenkamp
With the loss of his girlfriend, name, career, sponsorship deals and freedom, Pistorius should be placed on suicide watch whilst in jail or if bail is granted in the case. The circumstances in his life dictate it. His emotional, tearful breakdown in court is also a sign of someone on the brink.
The Oscar Pistorius criminal case, regarding the shooting death of
the double amputee Olympian and Paralympian's girlfriend, model and law
graduate, Reeva Steenkamp, has taken some very serious and sad turns,
as leaks in the press reveal explosive claims. Last week, on February
16, 2013, in the article "Oscar
Pistorius Cries In Court As Charges For Killing His Girlfriend Changed
To Premeditated Murder (Video)" the Judiciary Report stated, "The police have labeled it
'premeditated murder' due to something they have in their
evidence files leading them to believe it is so."
Oscar Pistorius (center)
It appears the smoking gun in their evidence files has arrived, as
the following day it was stated in the press, a cricket bat with blood
on it was found at the crime scene, the track star's mansion in
Pretoria, South Africa and the victim, Steenkamp, was found with a
crushed skull and four gunshot wounds (to the head, hip, hand and
chest). It is going to be very difficult to explain a crushed skull in
a court of law.
Pistorius being perp walked
In a previous interview, prior to the shooting, Pistorius stated he
keeps a cricket bat behind his bedroom door, an AK-47 machine gun by
the window and a pistol by his bed, in crime plagued South Africa,
where the rich have experienced a higher than usual amount of home
invasion robberies.
What also complicates this tragic case is an allegation in the press
today that late night texts and tweets between Skeenkamp and
ex-boyfriend, South Africa rugby player, Francios Hougaard, enraged Pistorius. Some are attempting to label her death a
crime of passion on Valentine's Day. Steenkamp's iPad is being held as
evidence regarding the claim.
To any man, especially a disabled man, often discriminated against
by society, due to closed minded people, who would make a person with
said medical condition feel like less of a man, being cheated on is
devastating. However, one must always control one's response to such
situations, keeping things in perspective and knowing you are just as
good as anyone else.
Francios Hougaard
The trouble does not end there for Pistorius, as it is also being
reported the sprinter's home contained steroids and police ordered be
tested for its use. If this is in fact the case and these allegations
of cheating prove true, Pistorius could be stripped of the medals he
has won in competition.
Another report exists that excessive amounts of alcohol were found
in Pistorius' home - a property police repeatedly were called to during
"domestic violence" incidents. Three people have come forward
in two separate allegations, stating Pistorius was drunk and threatened
them. In a case involving two women at a Kings of Leon concert, they
stated he was drunk, verbally abusive, called them lesbians and pushed
them.
Crime scene inside Pistorius' Pretoria mansion in
South Africa
In another incident, a friend of Pistorius' ex-girlfriend stated the
athlete threatened to break his legs, believing something was going on
between the two of them. He stated he was called to a meeting with
police "colonels" where Pistorius showed up with a black eye,
from getting into a fight with a friend the night
before.
Pistorius crying in court
If all of the aforementioned points are entered into court record,
Pistorius will be in serious legal trouble and could lose his freedom.
The picture it paints is one of an angry athlete, using steroids,
getting drunk, having violent confrontations with female members of the
public and harboring suspicions of girlfriends cheating on him. The
irony is, prior to Steenkamp's death, Pistorius was repeatedly referred
to in the press as a womanizer.
