Paralympian Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of ‘culpable homicide’ on Friday, but he could walk free. The runner faces 15 years in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter in the killing of then girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The verdict comes after a long six-month trial.
He was convicted of manslaughter and three firearm charges, but was released on bail until October 13th. According to the Daily News, Defense Attorney Barry Roux believed that Pistorius should remain on bail until his sentence since he had compiled with bail conditions after the killing. Prosecutors worry that between now and the beginning of his sentence, Pistorius will flee the country.
Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp at his home on Valentine’s Day last year. In the courtroom yesterday, he cried tears of joy after being found not guilty of premeditated murder. The lesser sentence disappointed prosecutors, who believe he should have been convicted of more than two charges. The verdict comes after Pistorius was also found guilty of firing a gun in a restaurant, months before the killing of his girlfriend. Nathi Mncube, of the National Prosecuting Authority, will later decide if they wish to appeal the verdict.
The Pistorius family has offered their condolences to the Steenkamp family, saying “It won’t bring Reeva back, but our hearts go out to her family and friends.”