Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Paralympic superstar Oscar Pistorius was charged Thursday with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp who was shot inside his home in South Africa. Pistorius was a national hero known as the Blade Runner for his high-tech artificial legs. Steenkamp was a Jamaican model who graduated from law school in her home town in Jamaica. She spoke out on Twitter against rape and abuse of women. Steenkamp was shot four times in the
Ms. Steenkamp’s publicist comments that Steenkamp and Pistorius had a “healthy, fabulous relationship.” On her Twitter account, Steenkamp posted a message on Wednesday alluding to Valentine’s day on Feb. 14 and saying: “What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow???” She also mentioned a South African reality TV show and described herself as “SA Model, Cover Girl, Tropika Island of Treasure Celeb Contestant, Law Graduate, Child of God.”
South Africa has one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime, and break-ins by armed robbers are relatively common. Legal handgun ownership is also common, with some restrictions.
Pistorius’ father, Henke, declined to comment when contacted by The Associated Press, only saying “we all pray for guidance and strength for Oscar and the lady’s parents.”
Pistorius’ court appearance was scheduled for Thursday but has been postponed to Friday to hopefully allow the forensic team time to come to helpful conclusions.