Parents Of Shooting Victim In Oscar Pistorius Case Speak Out About The Sprinter

Oscar Pistorius

Barry Steenkamp and his wife, June Steenkamp, have spoken out about the shooting death of their daughter, model, Reeva Steenhkamp, at the hands of Olympic and Paralympic sprinter, Oscar Pistorius. The athlete has stated in court that the shooting was an accident, as he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder, but based on their statements, her parents are not convinced.

 

Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius

Barry Steenkamp stated, "If it didn't happen the way he says it did he must suffer and he will suffer. It does not matter how much money he has and how good his legal team is, he will have to live with his conscience. But if he speaks the truth, I can perhaps some day forgive him."

Barry Steenkamp

June Steenkamp said of her daughter's death, "She loved like no-one else could love. She had so much of herself to give and now all of it is gone. Just like that, she is gone. In the blink of an eye and a single breath, the most beautiful person who ever lived is no longer here. All we have is this horrendous death to deal with, to get to grips with. All we want are answers, answers as to why this had to happen, why our beautiful daughter had to die like this."

Oscar Pistorius Granted $115,000 Bail In Murder Case

Olympian and Paralympian, Oscar Pistorius, has been granted conditional bail in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Conditions of his bail include not returning to his mansion, which is the crime scene, staying away from witnesses in the case and not consuming drugs or alcohol. He must also report to police twice a week.

Prosecutors In The Oscar Pistorius Murder Trial Label The Star A Liar Over The Death Of His Girlfriend While His Defense Team Refutes Steroids Claim

Oscar Pistorius in court this week

Olympic and Paralympic sprinter and murder suspect, Oscar Pistorius, has withdrawn from all competition in the upcoming racing season, despite the fact he is seeking bail in his criminal trial, regarding the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. There may also be another reason. Police acknowledged the fact steroids were found in Pistorius' Pretoria, South Africa home, which is the crime scene.

Some will also interpret his announced withdrawal from all competition in the upcoming racing season, to the aforementioned steroids found in his property. However, Pistorius' legal defense team has refuted the police claim regarding the alleged steroids in his home, stating what was found by officers is a testosterone enzyme product that is classified as a herbal remedy. Pistorius' lawyers state the substance is legal. Medical tests are expected in this regard.

Reeva Steenkamp

Prosecutors have laid out a very serious case against the gold medalist and are adamant it was not an accident. They spoke in no uncertain terms about their strong suspicion Pistorius’ actions constitute "premeditated murder." They are of the belief, Pistorius is lying about mistaking Steenkamp for a burglar.

Evidence presented indicates Steenkamp was in her night clothes and an overnight bag was present in the property. Initially, it was reported Steenkamp surprised Pistorius and he opened fire. Now Pistorius’ defense team is stating the two were asleep in bed, he woke up and went onto the balcony at 3:00 without his prosthetic legs. Steenkamp went to the bathroom and Pistorius heard the noise, believing it was a burglar. They are stating Pistorius did not realize Steenkamp had gotten out of bed and went into the bathroom, as they allege it was dark due to the lights being off.

Prosecutors do not believe Pistorius' account of events, stating neighbors heard arguing and shortly after a woman's screams. Another key claim is a neighbor stating the lights were on in Pistorius' property, including the balcony in question. The neighbor stated he was on his own balcony and saw the lights on at Pistorius' place.

Prosecutors believe Pistorius attacked Steenkamp in the bedroom after the two had an argument (allegedly over his suspicion of her cheating on him) and she fled into the bathroom, locking herself in the toilet. Pistorius then opened fire, shooting her three times through the locked door, as bullet wounds were found in Steenkamp's head, arm and hip. The state alleges Steenkamp locked the door for a reason, as she was in fear of her life, due to Pistorius' attack.

Some in the press alleged Pistorius called a friend rather than an ambulance, implying he wasted crucial time when emergency medical services could have been summoned, potentially saving Steenkamp's life. However, it is estimated he called emergency services 20 minutes after the shooting.

Many news sources have cited police leaks in the case, which authorities have denied. Thus far, neither prosecutors or the police have publicly confirmed claims in the mainstream press of Steenkamp's skull being crushed with a cricket bat. It was stated today that other than the gunshot wounds found in Steenkamp's body, there was no other injury to her body.

This case marks a tragic turn of events regarding two promising lives - both Steenkamp and Pistorius - who had so much going for them. It is truly sad, as their lives have been destroyed. There is much to be learned from this case. Those who are truly paying attention will grasp those lessons and not walk down the same path.

Oscar Pistorius Should Be Placed On Suicide Watch

Oscar Pistorius in court

After being remanded into custody, in Pretoria, South Africa, on "premeditated charges" in the murder of his girlfriend, model, Reeva Steenkamp, sprinter Oscar Pistorius is facing a significant legal battle for his freedom. It has been stated, Pistorius' prosethtic legs will be confiscated in jail, as they can be classified as a weapons.

  

 

Reeva Steenkamp

With the loss of his girlfriend, name, career, sponsorship deals and freedom, Pistorius should be placed on suicide watch whilst in jail or if bail is granted in the case. The circumstances in his life dictate it. His emotional, tearful breakdown in court is also a sign of someone on the brink.

The Oscar Pistorius Murder Case Explodes With Claims Of An Affair, Steroids, Alcoholism And His Girlfriend's Skull Being Crushed By Cricket Bat

The Oscar Pistorius criminal case, regarding the shooting death of the double amputee Olympian and Paralympian's girlfriend, model and law graduate, Reeva Steenkamp, has taken some very serious and sad turns, as leaks in the press reveal explosive claims. Last week, on February 16, 2013, in the article "Oscar Pistorius Cries In Court As Charges For Killing His Girlfriend Changed To Premeditated Murder (Video)" the Judiciary Report stated, "The police have labeled it 'premeditated murder' due to something they have in their evidence files leading them to believe it is so."

Oscar Pistorius (center)

It appears the smoking gun in their evidence files has arrived, as the following day it was stated in the press, a cricket bat with blood on it was found at the crime scene, the track star's mansion in Pretoria, South Africa and the victim, Steenkamp, was found with a crushed skull and four gunshot wounds (to the head, hip, hand and chest). It is going to be very difficult to explain a crushed skull in a court of law.

Pistorius being perp walked

In a previous interview, prior to the shooting, Pistorius stated he keeps a cricket bat behind his bedroom door, an AK-47 machine gun by the window and a pistol by his bed, in crime plagued South Africa, where the rich have experienced a higher than usual amount of home invasion robberies.

What also complicates this tragic case is an allegation in the press today that late night texts and tweets between Skeenkamp and  ex-boyfriend, South Africa rugby player, Francios Hougaard, enraged Pistorius. Some are attempting to label her death a crime of passion on Valentine's Day. Steenkamp's iPad is being held as evidence regarding the claim.

To any man, especially a disabled man, often discriminated against by society, due to closed minded people, who would make a person with said medical condition feel like less of a man, being cheated on is devastating. However, one must always control one's response to such situations, keeping things in perspective and knowing you are just as good as anyone else.   

 

Francios Hougaard

The trouble does not end there for Pistorius, as it is also being reported the sprinter's home contained steroids and police ordered be tested for its use. If this is in fact the case and these allegations of cheating prove true, Pistorius could be stripped of the medals he has won in competition. 

Another report exists that excessive amounts of alcohol were found in Pistorius' home - a property police repeatedly were called to during "domestic violence" incidents. Three people have come forward in two separate allegations, stating Pistorius was drunk and threatened them. In a case involving two women at a Kings of Leon concert, they stated he was drunk, verbally abusive, called them lesbians and pushed them.

Crime scene inside Pistorius' Pretoria mansion in South Africa

In another incident, a friend of Pistorius' ex-girlfriend stated the athlete threatened to break his legs, believing something was going on between the two of them. He stated he was called to a meeting with police "colonels" where Pistorius showed up with a black eye, from getting into a fight with a friend the night before.  

Pistorius crying in court

If all of the aforementioned points are entered into court record, Pistorius will be in serious legal trouble and could lose his freedom. The picture it paints is one of an angry athlete, using steroids, getting drunk, having violent confrontations with female members of the public and harboring suspicions of girlfriends cheating on him. The irony is, prior to Steenkamp's death, Pistorius was repeatedly referred to in the press as a womanizer.

Oscar Pistorius Cries In Court As Charges For Killing His Girlfriend Changed To Premeditated Murder (Video)

 

Track star, Oscar Pistorius, who has been detained in the killing of his girlfriend, model Reea Steenkamp, broke down crying in court when prosecutors announced the charges would be upgraded to premeditated murder. Steenkamp is believed to have surprised Pistorius at his home in Pretoria, South Africa, a nation struggling with violence, leading to her death, as Pistorius has stated he thought she was an intruder.

There are items working for and against the famous, multi-millionaire double amputee in this case. For example, as stated above, South Africa has been plagued by violence, leading to a gun culture in the country, as citizens have armed themselves for protection, especially the rich like Pistorius.

Oscar Pistorius crying in court, as charges are upgraded to "premeditated murder." The athlete denied the charges and sent his condolences to his girlfriend's family.

In November 2012, Pistorius wrote on Twitter that he returned to his home only to hear noises and as a result rushed for his gun, believing the sounds indicated an intruder. However, it was the clothes dryer. The incident can be used to establish there was precedent for Pistorius' believing his home was being broken into and reaching for his weapon.

While some will refer to it as paranoia, but when living in a nation with a high murder and burglary rate, this can become everyday life. People who live in nations or cities with serious crime problems know when you hear a rumbling in your house you cannot identify, it is cause for concern. One is not paranoid when the threat exists and is real, especially if one has been victim to it before, as seen in other cases.

Pistorius breaks down in court

It needs to be established whether Steenkamp had keys to Pistorius' property, as police indicated no signs of forced entry exist. If she had a key and was planning a big surprise for Pistorius, as has been stated online, she could have innocently let herself into his home on Valentine's Day, not realizing what it could turn into in being misidentified as an intruder and shot four times behind a bathroom door. That very well could have happened.

I've attended surprise parties before for friends, who did not know everyone had gathered to wish them the best on their birthday. So, I can't judge Steenkamp or Pistorius' actions in this regard if that is what occurred. That would be one tragic and very sad accident.

Reeva Steenkamp

One item working against Pistorius is claims by the police regarding having been called out to his mansion on previous occasions over "domestic violence" issues. This is not an indication of guilt in a murder case, but will prejudice a jury in the hands of a skillful prosecutor.

Another item that could work against him is the fact Pisotrious was arrested in 2009 for allegedly hitting a woman, who later dropped the charges. The issue, if successfully entered into the court record, will work against him as well and be labeled a pattern of violence against women. A shrewd prosecutor will know how to mold those police reports to create an impression the next step up would be "premeditated murder."

Reeve Steenkamp recently began filming a reality show in Jamaica

Where some believe this case was a tragic accident via a shooting that occurred due to mistaken identity, the police have labeled it "premeditated murder" due to something they have in their evidence files leading them to believe it is so.

Until more facts are released, this case could go either way. It is the Judiciary Report's hope all the facts will come out in this case and if this was truly a case of mistaken identity, in believing Steenkamp was planning a surprise, Pistorius will not face jail. If the police successfully prove this shooting was something else, justice must be served.

Pistorius' previous post last year revealed he had a fear of intruders and went for his gun when he thought someone had broken into his home in November 2012

Steenkamp was said to be planning a Valentines Day surprise for Pistorius

As the Judiciary Report has written in the past, public conduct will impact sponsorship deals (The Positives And Perils Of Fame and Lindsay Lohan Moves Back In With Her Mom But Now Their Home Has Been Hit With Foreclosure Papers). It is now being reported, sponsors are canceling Pistorius' endorsements.

Side Bar: I know some of my readers are gun owners, but as stated previously, I am not into them. So much can go wrong, as seen in this case. I'd previously written about gun violence and celebrities.

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Sponsors rethink links to Oscar Pistorius

February 14 - The sponsors that helped make Oscar Pistorius the highest-profile and highest-paid Paralympic athlete in the world are having to rethink their commitment to the sportsman after he was charged with murder Thursday. The disabled athlete, whose performances at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games made a national hero in South Africa, had links with Nike, sunglass manufacturer Oakley, perfume maker Thierry Mugler and running blade manufacturer Ossur. In total, his sponsorship deals were estimated to be worth about $4.7 million.

Already, the South African satellite TV channel M-Net has pulled its campaign promoting the forthcoming Oscar awards season. "Out of respect and sympathy to the bereaved, M-Net will be pulling its entire Oscar campaign featuring Oscar Pistorius with immediate effect," the channel said.

A Nike spokesperson said: "Nike extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to all families concerned following this tragic incident. As it is a police matter, Nike will not comment further at this time." British Telecom, another sponsor of Pistorius, said it was "shocked by this terrible, tragic news." On Thursday, BT was also shortlisted for an industry award for its sponsorship of Pistorius. No one at Oakley was available for comment...

http://www.washingtonpost.com

Track Stars Usain Bolt, Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce And Carmelita Jeter React To The Arrest Of Athlete Oscar Pistorius

Usain Bolt at the NBA Celebrity All Star weekend

Gold medalists such as Jamaica's Usain Bolt and Shelly Fraser Pryce and America's Carmelita Jeter have spoken of the shock at fellow sprinter and Olympian, Oscar Pistorius, being arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, beautiful model and law student, Reeva Steenkamp, in what he has labeled mistaken identity, in believing she was a burglar, who had illegally entered his home. Wanting to be fair to all involved, the aforementioned athletes publicly responded to interviews by basically stating they wish to wait until all the facts in the case have come out.

 

Reeva Steenkamp

Bolt: "For me, I'm really trying to take it all in," he said. "When I heard, I was in shock and I'm still just trying to process it in my head to see if this is really real. So I need to listen to what's going on and see what's really happening." Asked if he plans to reach out to the sprinter who became a star of the London Olympics, Bolt wasn't sure. 'I've got to stand back and see what's going on and then I'll decide what to do.'"

Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius

Fraser-Pryce: When I came off the plane at Heathrow and I gave the immigration officer my passport she said, 'What's your purpose for being here?' "I said, 'I'm an athlete... She said, 'do you know Oscar Pistorius?' I said, 'Yes'. She said, 'He shot his girlfriend.' I was like, 'are you serious?' I've not really drawn a conclusion yet. I've not really processed the information. I've not heard what he has to say so it's very difficult to actually comment."

Oscar Pistorius in front of his home in South Africa where the death occurred

Jeter: I've seen him a couple of times at track meets, and he has always spoken to me and been very nice, so that's all that I know of him. I don't really know him as a person. It's definitely a sad situation, but the only thing I know is the same thing I saw on the news. I don't like to speculate. It will soon come out exactly what happened.

STORY SOURCE

Athletes react to 'Oscargate'

Bolt in shock over Pistorius arrest

Gold Medalist Sprinter Oscar Pistorius Arrested And Charged With The Murder Of His Girlfriend Model Reeva Steenkamp (Videos)

26-year-old Paralympic gold medalist, Oscar Pistorius, has been arrested and charged with the death of his beautiful girlfriend, 30-year-old model and law student, Reeva Steenkamp. The tragedy occurred at his home in Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is stating he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder. However, police are stating they are "surprised" at his account of events.

Police are currently investigating the matter and hopefully all the evidence and details will come out in the case, to enable the public and court to understand what truly happened that night. Pistorius is being detained in jail overnight and is scheduled to face a judge in the morning for his first hearing in the criminal case. The two have been dating since the time of the wonderful 2012 London Paralympic games, which changed the public's perception of disability in a positive way. 

Oscar Pistorius being taken into custody

As with any mainstream case, the press is digging for all the information that can be obtained. Thus far, TMZ is reporting, in 2009 Pistorius was arrested for "assaulting a woman" who later dropped the charges. There are also claims in the public domain that previously police have allegedly been to Pistorius' home regarding "domestic violence" issues.

Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius 

This story is truly sad and I'm sorry it happened. Pistorius has struggled with so much due to his disabilities, but in spite of it done so well on the track and with his charity. Just a few days ago, I tweeted a video of him outrunning a race horse. I am hoping for the best in this case, but I also know that a person has died, which is tragic and another is facing the consequences thereof and the feelings of guilt that accompany it. Pistorius is going to have to forgive himself for what happened and most of all seek God's forgiveness as well.

Pistorius spoke of difficulties he faced when younger, as people would turn their kids away, when they would stare at his prosthetic legs, "I see a child and he's staring at my prosthetic legs, often the parent turns the kid away," observed Pistorius. "And they develop a mentality of kind of shying away from disability and not being educated about it. And I think that's what creates the difficulty in society."

That kind of public interaction or lack thereof can hurt a person in many ways. However, there are millions of disabled people in the world, many of whom are amputees and it is nothing to be afraid of or ashamed of in any manner. Disabled people lead normal lives just like everyone else.

Pistorius' Nike Ad "I am the bullet in the chamber" was been pulled from his website. Nike stated the ads were pulled by Pistorius.

My mother has worked with disabled people for the past 15-years, many of whom I have gotten to know and they are wonderful people. The fact of the matter is it is very easy to have a disability. Many are born disabled, but some experience disability later in life via disease, war injuries, car accidents, surgeries gone wrong, falling off one's bed and becoming paralyzed or fights (injury).