Oscar Pistorius to Settle with Reeva Steenkamp’s Family?
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Jemal Countess/Getty Images(PRETORIA, South Africa) — Oscar Pistorius may be close to a civil settlement with the parents of his slain girlfriend.
The Olympic track star, dubbed “Blade Runner” for his prosthetic legs, is said to be negotiating with Reeva Steenkamp’s parents, hoping to reach a deal before the end of his criminal trial.
According to reports in South Africa, if a settlement is reached, Pistorius could reportedly end up paying them $185,000 to $275,000.
Pistorius, 27, has been charged with killing Steenkamp in his home in Pretoria, South Africa, last Valentine’s Day. He claims he shot her by accident, mistaking her for an intruder.
Prosecutors argue, however, that Pistorius knew Steenkamp, who had been sleeping in the same bed with him, was in the bathroom and he intended to kill her. They allege he took a moment to put on his prosthetic legs before he fired four shots through the closed bathroom door. Prosecutors contend the shooting was fueled by a heated argument.
Pistorius maintains that he was not wearing his famous carbon-fiber blades when he fatally shot Steenkamp.
If found guilty, he could face a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years.
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