The Oscar Pistorius “Blade Runner” murder trial. Surely you’ve caught the headlines or heard the daily blurbs on the morning shows. If your life is anything like mine, you’re too busy chasing a toddler or watching Sesame Street (again) to really get a grasp on current events
But if you’re nosy like me, you want to know all the deets. So I’m breaking it down for you. Here’s all you need to know:
The Oscar Pistorius story plays out like a Hollywood movie. Truly — I would not be surprised to see it on the big screen in the near future. Pistorius, nicknamed “Blade Runner” is a South African sprint runner who had his legs amputated below the knee before he was a year old.
During the 2012 Olympics, he secured his spot in history when he became the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics. Ever. He also participated in the 2012 Summer Paralympics, where he won two gold medals, setting world records in BOTH events.
Not a bad year, eh?
Although Pistorius was a superstar not just in South Africa, but world wide, what the public didn’t know was that he had a reputation for having a temper. In 2009 he was arrested and spent the night in jail for allegedly assaulting a 19 year old girl in his home.
He also had a passion for guns and became obsessive about defending himself and his home. In a 2012 New York Times interview, Pistorius mentioned making frequent trips to the gun range late at night.
If you’re thinking that doesn’t sound like a good combination…you’d be right. On February 14th, 2013, Pistorius was charged with the murder of model Reeva Steenkamp, who he had been dating for just a few short months.
Reeva Steenkamp was a gorgeous and well known model, socialite and paralegal and was ranked one of the 100 Sexiest Women in the World by South African FHM readers.
Now here’s where things get tricky. Did Oscar Pistorius murder Reeva Steenkamp? The short answer is yes. Pistorius claims that he shot her through his bathroom door in the middle of the night, thinking she was an intruder.
The prosecution, however, claims that Pistorius was angry and shot her through the door INTENTIONALLY, after getting out of bed and putting on his prosthetic legs. The prosecution argues that the time required to put on his legs, walk to the bathroom door and fire several shots shows premeditation.
Combine this with his love of guns and history of violence…and the prosecution has a very strong case.
On the prosecution’s side:
- Texts from Steenkamp to Pistorius which refer to him as being jealous, possessive, behaving “nasty” and her fear that he would “snap.”
- Witnesses that heard loud arguing between a man and a woman for about an hour before the murder.
- Witnesses that heard a woman screaming right BEFORE gun shots were fired, as well as in between shots.
- The fact that he shot FOUR separate times.
- In order to purchase several of his guns, Pistorius had to pass a “competency test” to deem him fit to possess them. Part of the test? Scenarios that teach that you do NOT shoot unless there is IMMEDIATE danger. If Pistorius had acted according to requirements, he would not have fired through a closed door, and especially not a second time after hearing a female scream.
On the defense’s side:
- Pistorius. It is widely speculated that he will take the stand, and he definitely has star power. It’s possible that jurors will be swayed by him.
- His history of paranoia. In his New York Times interview in 2012, he mentioned a home security system, and that he’d tiptoed downstairs with a gun the night before after a false alarm.
Sadly…I can only find two facts working for Pistorius. I don’t think this trial will turn out well for him, and unfortunately..that’s probably how it needs to be.
The trial began on March 3rd and the prosecution rested yesterday. It’s been a show for sure — Pistorius has vomited several times in the courtroom when confronted with photos of the deceased Steenkamp.
I’m very curious to see if he takes the stand and how he comes across if he does. At this rate, the case should have a good couple of weeks left before it goes to jury.
What are your thoughts? Is Oscar Pistorius guilty of premeditated murder?