The judge in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial has said that the state did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the “Blade Runner” was guilty of premeditated murder.
The Associated Press noted that on Thursday, Judge Thokozile Masipa delivered the verdict clearing the double-amputee runner of the most serious charge. However, Pistorius could still be found guilty of the lesser culpable homicide charge.
"Culpable homicide is a competent verdict," Masipa said before breaking for lunch.
Pistorius, 27, cried as the judge gave her verdict.
The trial started back in March and was only supposed to last a few weeks, but lengthy testimonies and several adjournments, among other things, dragged the trial on much longer than expected.
The Paralympian was accused of intentionally murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in the early morning hours of Valentine’s Day last year. Prosecutors said that he intentionally shot the model after the two had an argument. Pistorius, however, maintained that he only shot the 29-year-old after he mistook her for an intruder and plead not guilty.
If he is convicted of any other charge a new date will be set for his sentencing.
image courtesy of Magazine Features/INFphoto.com