Showing posts with label trial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trial. Show all posts

Saturday, 30 March 2013

Oscar Pistorius Set For His First Race Since Start Of Murder Trial But Is He Ready



Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius

Olympian and Paralympian, Oscar Pistorius,  has been cleared to leave South Africa, in the middle of his murder trial, regarding the tragic shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius formally stated the shooting was an accident, while prosecutors maintain it was premeditated murder. The court stated, " I find no reason why the applicant should be forbidden from leaving the Republic of South Africa if he's invited to compete in athletic events in other countries."


Oscar Pistorius

Pistorius is set to compete in the World Athletic Championships this summer, but the question is, will he be ready, both physically and mentally. Pistorius lost key training time due to his crucial murder case and he is also in a fragile mental state. Running well takes physical and mental strength. A distracted and troubled mind can prove a hindrance. Additionally, how will audiences react, as the public is divided on the case.  

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Man Acquitted In The Shooting Death Of Rapper Slim Dunkin But Is Hit With 25-Years On Other Charges


Slim Dunkin

Aspiring rapper, Vinson Hardimon was acquitted of murder in the 2011 shooting death of fellow MC, Slim Dunkin, real name, Mario Hamilton. However, he was convicted of aggravated assault with a weapon, which led to the death of Hamilton. Such technicalities will baffle most, but Hardimon now faces 25-years in prison for his crimes.

Monday, 25 February 2013

Oscar Pistorius' Brother Has Also Been Charged With Killing A Woman


Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius

Carl Pistorius, the brother of sprinter, Oscar Pistorius, is up on murder charges in South Africa just like his famous sibling, who is currently charged with "premeditated murder" in the death of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp. Carl's case is regarding a traffic accident that left a woman dead.



Carl Pistorius
 
It is being reported, tests revealed he was not drunk at the time of the accident. However, he is still liable in the woman's death. Charges were initially dropped, but have been reinstated this month. Carl Pistorius' attorney stated to the press, the charges will be challenged in court.

 

Oscar Pistorius is currently staying with his uncle in a posh suburb of Pretoria, as he has been banned from reentering his home during the case, as it is the scene of the crime where Steenkamp was killed. He has been bailed until June 2013, when his murder trial resumes.

Friday, 22 February 2013

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.

The Rugged Sports Star At The Center Of Cheating Allegations In The Oscar Pistorius Murder Case Involving Reeva Steenkamp


Reeva Steenkamp and Oscar Pistorius

Not a lot is currently known about claims model Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot to death by boyfriend, sprinter, Oscar Pistorius, was cheating on him with hunky rugby football player, Francois Hougaard. The muscular rugby star, who dated Steenkamp, was said to have been sending her messages Wonline, which enraged Pistorius.


Francios Hougaard

Once again, these claims have not been confirmed, but it has been stated police retained Steenkamp's iPad as evidence in the case. Hougaard was seen at Steenkamp's funeral is South Africa, whilst Pistorius, who is in custody for her death, continues to make his application for bail in the case.

Lead Cop In The Oscar Pistorius Murder Trial Is Up On Attempted Murder Charges

Shots Fired!


Oscar Pistorius

The lead investigator in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial, regarding the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, has been hit with attempted murder charges in Pretoria, South Africa. Hilton Botha, in his capacity as a police officer, opened fire on a bus of suspects, wounding several people. Charges against him in the case were announced today.

Some are stating he should not be involved in the Pistorius case due to his own legal troubles, but others state it has no effect on the athlete's conduct. Under the circumstances, for a fair trial to be obtained, especially in such a high profile matter, in front of the watching world, there needn't be any aspect thereof, perceived as tainted. It is best the investigator turns his file over to a colleague not facing the same legal issues.


Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp

Pistorius is still seeking bail, but prosecutors object, as he is a millionaire with the resources to flee South Africa. Pistorius' defense team attempted to use his disability to help him in this regard, stating he would not get far, due to being an amputee. I beg to differ. Paralympians move faster than the majority of the public and are fitter than most as well. The week before the Steenkamp murder, I tweeted a video of Pistorius outrunning a race horse by a comfortable margin.

But in all seriousness, if Pistorius gets bail, there is a risk he may commit suicide, as his life is in tatters and for all the world to see. It wouldn't be the right choice, but when a person is at their lowest ebb, they sometimes do not think rationally. His story is a dramatic fall from grace.



Some people with disabilities develop alcohol and substance abuse issues in attempting to deal with the emotionally pain of the loss of limbs or mobility. It is a very traumatic experience. However, the key is to see one's self as whole and equal to everyone else. 

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

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.

Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Prosecutors In The Oscar Pistorius Murder Case Recreate The Shooting Death Of The Athlete's Girlfriend (Video)



Famous sprinter and double amputee, Oscar Pistorius, made another appearance in court today, charged with the death of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp. prosecutors painted a grim picture of how they believe Steenkamp died, during a fight with Pistorius.


Oscar Pistorius 

The description of the killing reveal prosecutor's theories that Steenkamp and Pistorius had an argument, which resulted in the athlete shooting her to death. 700 miles away from the courthouse, Steenkamp was laid to rest in a funeral attended by her family and friends.