South African judge clears Pistorius of premeditated murder
- 10 years ago
A South African judge has cleared bladerunner Oscar Pistorius of all murder charges.
SOUNDBITE: Judge Thokozile Masipa saying:
"The state has clearly not proved, beyond reasonable doubt, that the accused is guilty of pre-meditated murder. There are just not enough facts to support such a finding."
An emotional Pistorius wiped away tears as the verdict was read.
Prosecutors argued that Pistorius killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp after a heated argument on Valentine's Day.
Pistorius said the shooting was a horrible accident and that he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder.
Judge Thokozile Masipa said the state had not proven their case beyond a shadow of a doubt.
She was critical of Pistorius, describing him as an evasive witness.
SOUNDBITE: Judge Thokozile Masipa saying:
"The accused was clearly not candid with the court when he said he had no intention to shoot at anyone as he had a loaded firearm in his hand ready to shoot."
SOUNDBITE: Judge Thokozile Masipa saying:
"The state has clearly not proved, beyond reasonable doubt, that the accused is guilty of pre-meditated murder. There are just not enough facts to support such a finding."
An emotional Pistorius wiped away tears as the verdict was read.
Prosecutors argued that Pistorius killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp after a heated argument on Valentine's Day.
Pistorius said the shooting was a horrible accident and that he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder.
Judge Thokozile Masipa said the state had not proven their case beyond a shadow of a doubt.
She was critical of Pistorius, describing him as an evasive witness.
SOUNDBITE: Judge Thokozile Masipa saying:
"The accused was clearly not candid with the court when he said he had no intention to shoot at anyone as he had a loaded firearm in his hand ready to shoot."