Oscar Pistorius’ defense team told the court on Wednesday that the Paralympian has been traumatized since fatally shooting his girlfriend last year and is at risk for suicide.
The Associated Press reported that Pistorius’ lawyer Barry Roux read a psychologist's report that said the athlete is suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Roux also said that his client will become an increasing suicide risk if he does not continue to get mental health care.
The excerpts of the report that the defense lawyer read did not conclude that Pistorius is mentally ill.
The trial was halted for a month while Pistorius’ mental health was evaluated. On Monday, the results of the evaluation revealed that the double-amputee sprinter did not suffer from a mental disorder at the time of the shooting.
Pistorius is accused of murdering 29-year-old Reeva Steenkamp after the two had a fight last year on Valentine’s Day. However, the Olympian claims 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 year to life in prison.
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