Verdict Due in Pistorius Murder Trial
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Photo by Herman Verwey – Pool/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images(PRETORIA, South Africa) — Verdict proceedings in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial got underway Thursday morning in South Africa, with a judge slated to announce the athlete’s fate.
Judge Thokozile Masipa will recount and analyze evidence given by dozens of witnesses in the case. Reaching the verdict on whether Pistorius intentionally killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in a February 2013 shooting could take hours, maybe days.
The trial has spanned five months, prolonged by several interruptions including a month-long break so the paralympian sprinter could be examined by mental health experts.
Pistorius — known as “Blade Runner” for his prosthetic legs — served as an international inspiration after performing in the London 2012 Olympics.
Masipa, along with two assistants, are tasked with determining whether Pistorius is guilty or innocent. South Africa does not use jury trials.
If found guilty of the most serious charge, he could be sentenced to at least 25 years in prison.
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