Star runner Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of culpable homicide — or manslaughter — a South African judge ruled on Friday. The sentencing will come at a later date.
The Paralympian stood impassively in the dock, his hands folded in front of him, as the judge convicted him of culpable homicide after he shot Reeva Steenkamp dead at his home.
He could now face a prison term of up to 15 years, but equally may walk free from court with a suspended term when he is sentenced at a later date.
Pistorius was accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day of last year. Pistorius said he mistook her for a burglar, but prosecutors argued he shot Steenkamp intentionally as the result of an argument.
Before adjourning court on Thursday, Masipa said that Pistorius “acted too hastily and used excessive force” and that “his conduct was negligent.”
Judge Thokozile Masipa told the hushed courtroom: ‘Having regard to the totality of this evidence in this matter, the unanimous decision of this court is the following: on count one, murder… the accused found not guilty and is discharged.
‘Instead he is found guilty of culpable homicide.’