Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The penalty for the South African athlete is not fixed yet.

South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty in Pretoria for manslaughter of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Whether and how long the athlete now has to go to jail, is not yet clear.

The verdict of Judge Thokozile Masipa took Pistorius passed on – he showed little emotion. After the reading of the judgment he seemed rather easy to bow to Masipa; later he sat quietly next to his sister. The relatives of the victim, however broke, according to the station “News24” into tears when the judge announced her decision.

On Thursday Masipa had ruled a murder or manslaughter. For the prosecution is a defeat. From the perspective of the prosecution Pistorius killed his girlfriend Steenkamp intentionally when he shot the night of Valentine’s Day 2013 in his house through a closed door.

Reeva Steenkamp Murder Trial:Shots never denied

The amputee Paralympic star has never denied the shots. He argued to have behind the closed bathroom door suspects a stranger and shot from panic before the alleged burglar.

The judge put the sentence as not expected fixed. It may be announced in a few weeks. In the meantime, prosecutors and defense can present reasons, either for a particularly harsh judgment or for extenuating circumstances. The maximum sentence for manslaughter is 15 years in South Africa, a minimum penalty does not exist. A suspension of the sentence is possible.

Masipa devoted himself to the verdict and other weapons offenses. In two cases, Pistorius was cleared of the allegations. Guilty, the judge acquitted him because of an incident in a restaurant where the South Africans had fired a gun under the table.
Pistorius stood since March 3 court – it was one of the most spectacular processes of South African history. A total of 36 prosecution and defense witnesses were summoned.

First, the prosthesis may Sprinter now probably return to his uncle’s house, where he lives on bail last year since its release. After the sentencing, he could immediately be put into a prison, according to the South African legal experts. Then Pistorius would have to re-apply to get free on bail pending a possible appeal process is completed. The new process could take about a year.

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