A South African judge found athlete Oscar Pistorius guilty on Friday of culpable homicide in the killing of his girlfriend, one day after being acquitted of a murder charge.
Judge Thokozile Masipa announced the verdict in Pretoria after a six-month-long trial and extended the former Olympian’s bail until the start of his sentencing hearing on Oct. 13, the Associated Press reports. Culpable homicide, or negligent killing, with a firearm typically carries a five-year prison sentence in South Africa, the AP adds, but the judge can decide on a range of measures from a suspended sentence and a fine to up to 15 years in prison. Both Pistorius and the prosecution have the right to appeal the decision.
He was also convicted on one of three unrelated firearm charges.
Pistorius became the first double-amputee to compete at the Olympics two years ago in London, assuming icon status among disabled athletes. He was charged with premeditated murder after the fatal shooting of Steenkamp, 29, on Feb. 14, 2013, but declared not guilty of that charge on Thursday. Pistorius built his defense on the claim he mistook her for an early morning intruder, whereas the prosecution argued that he shot her in rage following an argument.
[AP]
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