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Oscar Pistorius awaits sentencing for killing girlfriend in 2013

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail CNTV, January 13, 2016
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In South Africa, Oscar Pistorius is fighting his recent murder conviction murder. The Paralympian was originally charged with culpable homicide for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, but that was overturned in December to the more serious conviction of murder. The athlete is now appealing that decision as he awaits bail and a new sentence.

The Paralympian's lawyers filed papers Monday contending South Africa's top court "acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally" by rejecting factual findings of the original verdict of culpable homicide, and changed his conviction to murder. The athlete shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's day in 2013, while she was in the bathroom of their home, with the athlete claiming he mistook her for an intruder.

Pistorius and his legal team are awaiting the court's ruling on whether or not they will hear the appeal. Under the new conviction for murder, the 29-year-old faces a minimum 15-year jail term that may be reduced due to time already spent in jail and the fact that he is a first-time offender.

 

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