Oscar Pistorius murder trial resumes, Olympian mentally sound

After undergoing a psychiatric evaluation, a group of experts have concluded that former Olympian Oscar Pistorius was mentally sound when he shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

CNN noted that the results of the 30-day assessment were revealed in court on Monday.

The Associated Press reported that Pistorius was assessed by one psychologist and three psychiatrists about his mental state the morning of the shooting.

The panel found that "Mr. Pistorius was capable of appreciating the wrongfulness of his act." Furthermore, the doctors said that the double-amputee sprinter did not suffer from a mental illness or disorder at the time of the shooting.

The findings are a major blow to the Paralympian’s defense team after Dr. Merryll Vorster testified that Pistorius did in fact have an anxiety order. Vorster’s testimony led to a debate and Judge Thokozile Masipa ordering the runner to undergo the month-long evaluation.

Pistorius is accused of intentionally murdering the 29-year-old Steenkamp in the early morning hours of Valentine’s Day 2014. However, the former track and field star contends that he only shot the model after mistaking her for an intruder.

He has plead not guilty to murder and weapon charges. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison.

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