Today it was announced that Oscar Pistorius, the double-amputee Olympian described by a judge as a “fallen hero,” has been found guilty of murdering his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. After shooting Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013, Postorius was appealing a five-year prison sentence for manslaughter. Now the runner’s new murder sentence is six years, with the potential that he could be free in three years.
Per Yahoo.com: “In delivering her sentence, Masipa referred to the difficulties she faced in deciding a sentence that “satisfies every relevant interest” in a case that captured the world’s attention and led to extremes of opinion over the celebrated athlete. She noted that Pistorius had fired four times not once through the closed toilet door and spoke of the devastating effect the crime had on Steenkamp’s family.
Ultimately, “mitigating circumstances outweigh the aggravating factors,” the judge said.”It’s not enough,” she said.
In delivering her sentence, Masipa referred to the difficulties she faced in deciding a sentence that “satisfies every relevant interest” in a case that captured the world’s attention and led to extremes of opinion over the celebrated athlete. She noted that Pistorius had fired four times not once through the closed toilet door and spoke of the devastating effect the crime had on Steenkamp’s family.
Ultimately, “mitigating circumstances outweigh the aggravating factors,” the judge said.”
