South African runner Oscar Pistorius made history in London last summer when he became the first double amputee to compete in the Olympic Games against able-bodied athletes. Today he is making headlines of another nature after being arrested and charged with murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
As reported by CNN, Pistorius, 26, and his model girlfriend, 29, were the only people in Pistorius' home at the time of the shooting. A police spokesperson said previous incidents "of a domestic nature" had taken place at the home.
Police were alerted to the shooting by neighbors in the Olympian's upscale Pretoria neighborhood. There was no sign of forced entry, and police recovered a pistol at the scene. Kate Silvers, a spokeswoman for the athlete, says Pistorius is "assisting the police with their investigation." She declined further comment until "matters become clearer."
Original reports from several South African news outlets indicated that Steenkamp may have been mistaken for an intruder, and that Pistorius may have shot her in self-defense. Police, however, say that information did not come from them. Shortly after a body was seen carried from Pistorius' home, police announced that Pistorius was being charged with murder.
Pistorius will not appear in court on Thursday because the public prosecutor needs additional time to prepare the case. His first court appearance is scheduled for Friday. A spokesperson for the state says the prosecutor will oppose bail.
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