Paralympian Oscar Pistorius charged with murder, kills girlfriend Charged ... Oscar Pistorius. Photo: Getty A police spokeswoman said there had been previous incidents at the address, describing them as ‘‘allegations of a domestic nature’’. She said neighbours had been questioned over reports of an argument heard earlier in the night. The swimsuit-model and law graduate was shot four times, including in the head and arm, and died at the scene at 4am Thursday local time. Photo gallery Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp Pistorius, wearing a hooded top pulled over his face, was taken to the local police station to be charged. He was expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court later on Thursday. Advertisement Police in South Africa do not name suspects in crimes until they have appeared in court but police spokesperson Brigadier Denise Beukes said that Pistorius was at his home after the death of Steenkamp and "there is no other suspect involved". The couple had been dating since last November and Ms Steenkamp’s publicist, Sarit Tomlinson, they had a ‘‘healthy, fabulous relationship’’.

The model was due to star in a celebrity edition of a South African reality television show which was scheduled to start on the weekend. ‘‘She was the kindest most unbelievable girl,’’ she said. ‘‘At the moment it’s just shocking. No one knows what happened ... she was a rising star.’’ Less than a day before the shooting, Miss Steenkamp tweeted: ‘‘What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow??? #getexcited #ValentinesDay’’. Pistorius lives in the Silver Wood Estate complex, in Pretoria’s east, a gated community that markets itself as a ‘‘new prestigious security estate’’ with 24-hour security. The gold medallist, who races wearing carbon fibre prosthetic blades after he was born without a fibula in both legs, was the first double amputee to run in the Olympics and reached the 400 metres semi-finals in London. He has been a trailblazer for disabled athletes, and was hailed as an inspiration by many of the able-bodied athletes during the London Games. Pistorius went on to carry the flag for South Africa in the closing ceremony.

Pistorius has won eight Paralympic medals across three Olympics, comprising six gold, one silver and one bronze. He won two Paralympic golds and a silver in London. His first race for 2013 was due to take place in Australia. He was scheduled to arrive in Sydney on March 6 and compete in able-bodied 400m events in Sydney on March 9 and Perth on March 16. Advertisement Prosecutor says Pistorius lied on stand - AOL News Prosecutor says Pistorius lied on stand Before you go, we thought you'd like these... See Gallery Prosecutor says Pistorius lied on stand South African Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius (C) leaves the High Court in Pretoria on 8 August 2014. A verdict in the high profile murder trial of sports star Oscar Pistorius has been set for September 11, after lawyers wrapped up five months of drama-filled proceedings on August 8. Eighteen months after Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day 2013, the star's fate now lies in the hands of South African Judge Thokozile Masipa.

AFP PHOTO/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA SEPTEMBER 4: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Oscar Pistorius arrives at his Uncle's house on September 4, 2014 in Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial. Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014. (Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 21:(SOUTH AFRICA OUT) A broken toilet seat from the bathroom where the Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on August 21, 2014 in the house in Silver Woods Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial. Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014.

(Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 21:(SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Bullet holes on the tiles inside the bathroom where the Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on August 21, 2014 in the house in Silver Woods Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial. Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014. (Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 21:(SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Bullet holes on the tiles inside the bathroom where the Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on August 21, 2014 in the house in Silver Woods Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial.

Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014. (Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 21:(SOUTH AFRICA OUT) An empty room in the house where the Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on August 21, 2014 in the house in Silver Woods Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial. Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014. (Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 21:(SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Inside the bathroom where the Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on August 21, 2014 in the house in Silver Woods Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial.

Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014. (Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 8: Oscar Pistorius walks past Reeva Steenkamp's parents in the Pretoria High Court on August 8, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Herman Verwey - Pool/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 8: OBarry Roux gives his closing arguments in the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius in the Pretoria High Court on August 8, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa.

Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Herman Verwey-Pool/Foto24/Gallo Image/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 8: Barry Roux gives his closing arguments in the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius in the Pretoria High Court on August 8, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Herman Verwey-Pool/Foto24/Gallo Image/Getty Images) South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius leaves the Pretoria High Court at the end of the first of two days of concluding arguments on August 7, 2014.

A South African prosecutor branded Pistorius 'deceitful' and insisted the Paralympian cannot avoid a conviction for murdering his glamorous model girlfriend, as the state closed its case against him. AFP PHOTO/MuJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 8: Oscar Pistorius talks to a member of his defence team, Brian Webber in the Pretoria High Court on August 8, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Herman Verwey - Pool/Foto24/Gallo Image/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 7: Oscar Pistorius during his murder trial in the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Werner Beukes/Independent Newspapers/Gallo Image/Getty Images) South African paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius gestures during the presentation of the final arguments of his murder trial at the high court in Pretoria on August 7, 2014. Pistorius is accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who was fatally shot inside his home. AFP PHOTO/ POOL/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius leaves the Pretoria High Court at the end of the first of two days of concluding arguments on August 7, 2014.

A South African prosecutor branded Pistorius 'deceitful' and insisted the Paralympian cannot avoid a conviction for murdering his glamorous model girlfriend, as the state closed its case against him. AFP PHOTO/MuJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius leaves the Pretoria High Court at the end of the first of two days of concluding arguments on August 7, 2014. A South African prosecutor branded Pistorius 'deceitful' and insisted the Paralympian cannot avoid a conviction for murdering his glamorous model girlfriend, as the state closed its case against him. AFP PHOTO/MuJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) South African paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius attends the presentation of the final arguments of his murder trial at the high court in Pretoria on August 7, 2014. Pistorius is accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who was fatally shot inside his home.

AFP PHOTO/ POOL/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) South African paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius blows his nose during the presentation of the final arguments of his murder trial at the high court in Pretoria on August 7, 2014. Pistorius is accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who was fatally shot inside his home. AFP PHOTO POOL/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 7 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Oscar Pistorius's father, Henke Pistorius leaves the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius, stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2014. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. Closing arguements begin today.

(Photo by Herman Verwey/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 7 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Barry Steenkamp, Reeva Steenkamp's father arrives at the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius, stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2014. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. Closing arguements begin today. (Photo by Herman Verwey/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) South African paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius (C) arrives to take part in a hearing of his murder trial at the high court in Pretoria on August 7 2014. Pistorius is accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who was fatally shot inside his home.

AFP PHOTO/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 7: Oscar Pistorius during his murder trial in the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Werner Beukes/Independent Newspapers/Gallo Image/Getty Images) Lois and Arnold Pistorius, aunt and uncle of South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, cry as he testifies during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria, South Africa, on April 8, 2014.

Star Paralympian Oscar Pistorius returned to the witness box at his murder trial on April 8, insisting he and girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp had a loving relationship and saw a future together before he shot her dead on Valentine's Day. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KIM LUDBROOK (Photo credit should read KIM LUDBROOK/AFP/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 9: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Gina Myers, Reeva Steenkamp's best friend, is overcome with emotion as she listens to Oscar Pistorius' testimony in the Pretoria High Court on April 9, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2014. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate.

(Photo by Sydney Seshibedi - Pool/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 11 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Oscar Pistorius arrives at the Pretoria High Court on April 11, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius, stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2014. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Deaan Vivier/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 11 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Oscar Pistorius arrives at the Pretoria High Court on April 11, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius, stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2014. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate.

(Photo by Deaan Vivier/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 7: scar Pistorius's defence lawyer Barry Roux in the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Werner Beukes/Independent Newspapers/Gallo Image/Getty Images) South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius (L) reads notes during the lunch break on the first of two days of concluding arguments at the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014. A South African prosecutor branded Pistorius 'deceitful' and insisted the Paralympian cannot avoid a conviction for murdering his glamorous model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, as the state closed its case against him.

AFP PHOTO/POOL/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius attends the first of two days of concluding arguments at the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014. A South African prosecutor branded Pistorius 'deceitful' and insisted the Paralympian cannot avoid a conviction for murdering his glamorous model girlfriend, as the state closed its case against him. AFP PHOTO/POOL/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 8: Oscar Pistorius's family in the Pretoria High Court on August 8, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate.

(Photo by Herman Verwey-Pool/Foto24/Gallo Image/Getty Images) Up Next Oscar Pistorius charged with murder after girlfriend shot dead | World news | The Guardian Reeva Steenkamp shooting Oscar Pistorius charged with murder after girlfriend shot dead South African athlete will appear in court on Friday after Reeva Steenkamp was found dead at his home in Pretoria Thursday 14 February 2013 05.09 EST First published on Thursday 14 February 2013 05.09 EST Close This article is 3 years old The South African star sprinter Oscar Pistorius has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend and will appear in a Pretoria court on Friday, police have confirmed. Pistorius, 26, is alleged to have killed his 30-year-old girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot four times and died of gunshot wounds at the athlete's home in a gated community in the city on Thursday morning. Pistorius was pictured leaving a police station accompanied by officers after undergoing questioning. He looked down as photographers snapped pictures, the hood on his gray workout jacket pulled up, covering most of his face.

Police spokeswoman Denise Beukes said earlier reports that the suspect had been surprised by his girlfriend and had thought she was an intruder did not come from police. Oscar Pistorius has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Photograph: Gallo Images/Getty Images She said there had been reports from neighbours of shouting and screaming coming from the house earlier in the evening. She said police had been called to the house on previous occasions after reports of "a domestic nature". Pistorius had been due to appear in court today, but at lunchtime officials announced his appearance had been postponed until Friday at Pretoria magistrates court. Police sources suggested that Pistorius himself had requested that he appear in court as soon as possible today, but that the facilities might not be equipped for people with disabilities. Police deny that they are giving him special treatment. A spokeswoman had earlier said Pistorius was being "treated like any other normal person". "He will be bringing a bail application and we will be opposing bail," she said, adding that there were no other suspects in the case. Oscar Pistorius's girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Photograph: Gallo Images/Getty Images Police said they had opened a murder investigation after a 30-year-old woman was found dead in the upmarket Silver Lakes community on the outskirts of the capital, where the Paralympic and Olympic runner lives. It is believed she was shot four times. "We found a 9mm pistol at the scene. A 26-year-old man was taken into custody," a police spokeswoman said. There was speculation in the local media that Pistorius may have mistaken his girlfriend for a burglar and the shooting could have been a result of a Valentine's Day surprise gone wrong. A police spokeswoman, Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Mogale, told the Associated Press that officers received a call in the early hours of the morning that there had been a shooting. When police arrived they found paramedics trying to revive the woman, who had been shot and died at the scene, he said. There was a large police presence outside Pistorius's house and media descended on the estate.. Earlier, a police spokesman had described the sprinter as being distraught. "We can't comment on his emotional wellbeing, but he is traumatised after losing someone close to him," he said.

Steenkamp, a well-known South African model, had been dating Pistorius since November and was due to appear in a reality TV show called Tropika Island of Treasure. The law graduate from Port Elizabeth gave an interview to the Sunday Times in South Africa last week in which she described her boyfriend as "an impeccable man who always has her best interests at heart". In the last 24 hours she was tweeting about her hopes for Valentine's Day, writing: "What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow??? #getexcited #ValentinesDay". In one of her last tweets she responded to one follower who said she was going to make her husband a card with her children. Steenkamp wrote: "That sounds amazing! Wow that's what it's all about! It should be a day of love for everyone :) may it be blessed!" Steenkamp's publicist Sarit Tomlinson told Sky News that she was a "talented, bright young girl" whose star was rising. "She was the sweetest human being and an absolute angel on Earth," she said.

"She was the kindest, most unbelievable girl." She said Steenkamp and Pistorius had been together for a couple of months in "a healthy fabulous relationship". On Steenkamp's Facebook page – where she described herself as "SA Model, FHM Cover Girl, Tropika Island of Treasure Celeb Contestant, Law Graduate, Ambassador" – tributes poured in. Sibi Tshego Sibanda wrote: "Heaven has gained an Angel. Rest in peace," and Elmarie Hattingh wrote: "Rest in Peace Reeva, May God be with the family and friends." Pistorius is revered and well-liked by many athletes, and a number of British track and field stars reacted with shock to the news. The Olympic heptathlon champion, Jessica Ennis, tweeted: "Woken up to the horrendous news about Oscar Pistorius mistakenly shooting his girlfriend. What an awful tragedy." Iwan Thomas, Britain's former No 1 400m sprinter, wrote: "I am in total shock to hear the news about athlete and friend Oscar, my thoughts are with him and all involved.

That's all I have to say." British triple-jumper Phillips Idowu said: "Waking up to extremely sad news about Oscar Pistorius mistakenly shooting his girlfriend. Terrible tragedy, thoughts & prayers with you." Britain's Paralympic 100m gold medallist, Jonnie Peacock, who before the Paralympics called Pistorius "one of the nicest guys I've ever met", did not mention the South African by name but in a short Twitter message wrote: "can not believe it...." The Paralympic cyclist Jody Cundy wrote on Twitter: "Thoughts out to the familys of Reeva Steenkamp and OscarPistorius sad and tragic news." The British Paralympic Association said in a statement: "The BPA has heard this morning of the tragedy in South Africa today involving Paralympian Oscar Pistorius. We send our condolences to all involved. As it is a police matter, we will not comment further at this time." South Africa's Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee said in a statement that it had been inundated with requests for comment but was not in a position to give out any details of the shooting.

"SASCOC, like the rest of the public, knows no more than what is in the public domain, which is there has been an alleged fatal shooting on the basis of a mistaken identity and an apparent assumption of a burglary. "The organisation is in no position to comment on the incident other than to say our deepest sympathy and condolences have been expressed to the families of all concerned." South Africa has some of the world's highest rates of violent crime and some homeowners carry weapons to defend themselves against intruders. There were indications that Pistorius had fears about his safety. In an interview with the Daily Mail before the London 2012 Games it was revealed he slept with a pistol next to his bed and kept a machine gun by a window. Pistorius, known as Blade Runner because of the carbon fibre prosthetic blades he wears to race, is the world's best-known Paralympic star. He was born without fibulas in both legs and had his legs amputated as an 11-month-old.

He made history at London 2012 when he became the first double amputee to run in both the Olympics and Paralympics, running in the 400m and 4x400m relay at the Olympics. During and after the competition he regularly tweeted pictures of him and his girlfriend together. The Johannesburg-born athlete won a legal battle over his blades with the International Association of Athletics Federations in 2008 for the right to compete in able-bodied competition.

Paralympic star accused of trying to massage public perceptions as plans for service are 'leaked' in advance to the media Published: 26 Feb 2013 A striking cover image marks its 90th birthday Published: 28 Feb 2013 With the world watching, justice must be seen to be done in the killings of Reeva Steenkamp and Anene Booysen, says Ranjeni Munusamy Published: 25 Feb 2013 South African Paralympian accused of murdering his girlfriend complies with bail terms by visiting correctional officers Published: 25 Feb 2013 Oscar Pistorius: Olympian and Paralympian faces murder charge - BBC News BBC News Oscar Pistorius: Olympian and Paralympian faces murder charge 14 February 2013 Close share panel Media captionPolice reveal there had been previous incidents at the address South African Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius is facing a murder charge after his girlfriend was shot and killed at his Pretoria home. His arrest over the death of model Reeva Steenkamp has stunned the country where he is considered a national hero.

The 26-year-old is due to appear in court on Friday. Mr Pistorius made history in London last year when he became the first double-amputee track athlete to compete in the Olympic Games. Analysis By Pumza FihlaniBBC News, Johannesburg There is widespread shock and disbelief in South Africa after athlete Oscar Pistorius was arrested over the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. There has been an outpouring of grief for the model, along with many messages of support for the six-time Paralympic champion, who has earned huge public admiration for his long battle to be allowed to compete in the Olympics. The common thread for many is disbelief - at the implication this has for the athlete's future but also at the tragic end of the celebrity couple's love story. The pair apparently started dating in November, frequently posted loving messages about each other on social network Twitter and were seen at high-profile events arm in arm. Their relationship seemed perfect. He is known as the "blade runner" because of the carbon fibre prosthetic blades he races in. He was born without a fibula in both legs and had his legs amputated below the knee before his first birthday.

Police were called to his home in the upmarket Silver Woods gated compound on the outskirts of South Africa's administrative capital in the early hours of Thursday morning. They found paramedics treating a 29-year-old woman with four gunshot wounds to the head and upper body. She died at the scene, and officers recovered a 9mm pistol. Early reports suggested Mr Pistorius might have mistaken his girlfriend for an intruder. Police say neighbours heard screaming and shouting around the time of the shooting, and that they had been called to investigate incidents of a domestic nature at the same house in the past. They also said that they would oppose any bail application. Hours later, after being questioned by police, Mr Pistorius left a police station accompanied by officers, his face mostly covered by the hood of a grey jacket. His court hearing was originally scheduled for Thursday afternoon but had been postponed until Friday to give forensic investigators time to carry out their work, said Medupe Simasiku, a spokesman for the prosecution.

Mr Pistorius's father, Henke, declined to comment but said: "We all pray for guidance and strength for Oscar and the lady's parents.'' Miss Steenkamp's publicist confirmed to the BBC that the 29-year-old model had died. "Everyone who knew her is in tears. She was an absolute angel, the sweetest, sweetest human being, a kind human being," Sarit Tomlinson said. 'Day of love' In her last Twitter messages, Miss Steenkamp had spoken about her excitement about Valentine's Day. Media captionSarit Tomlinson, Reeva Steenkamp's publicist, described her client as "an absolute angel" "What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow?'' she tweeted. "It should be a day of love for everyone.'' Mr Pistorius dominated in his category at successive Paralympic Games, but in 2008 he won a legal battle over his blades - which critics said gave him an unfair advantage - with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for the right to compete in able-bodied competitions.

Oscar Pistorius Image caption Pistorius races wearing carbon fibre prosthetic blades Popularly known as "blade runner", he was born without a fibula in both legs Won a key legal battle in 2008, when athletics' governing body, the IAAF, allowed him to compete against able-bodied athletes Made history in London 2012 by becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete in the Olympics Apologised after claiming that his rival, Brazilian Alan Oliveira, was wearing blades that were too long in the 2012 Paralympics 200m final He reached the 400m semi-finals in the London 2012 Olympics. At the Paralympics he won silver in the T44 200m, gold in the 4x100 relay and gold in the T44 400m, setting a Paralympic record. He was named by Time Magazine last year as one of the world's 100 most influential people.

In interviews, he had spoken about his enjoyment of target shooting with his pistol, and an online advertisement featuring him for Nike read: "I am a bullet in the chamber." Mr Pistorius's former coach, Andrea Giannini, spoke out in favour of the athlete following his arrest. "No matter how bad the situation was, Oscar always stayed calm and positive,'' he told the Associated Press news agency. "Whenever he was tired or nervous he was still extremely nice to people. I never saw him violent.'' South Africa has one of the highest rates of crime in the world and many residents keep weapons to protect themselves against intruders. But gun ownership is strictly regulated and it is not easy to obtain a licence. On Tuesday, a bill seeking to give police extra powers to arrest anyone carrying a dangerous weapon in public was tabled before parliament, following a spate of violent strikes and protests last year. Breaking: Paralympian Oscar Pistorius Sentenced To Five Years For Culpable Homicide Breaking: Paralympian Oscar Pistorius Sentenced To Five Years For Culpable Homicide {{article.article.images.featured.caption}} Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Full Bio The author is a Forbes contributor.

The opinions expressed are those of the writer. Loading ... Loading ... This story appears in the {{article.article.magazine.pretty_date}} issue of {{article.article.magazine.pubName}}. Subscribe Just over a month after he was found guilty of culpable homicide, Oscar Pistorius was sentenced earlier today for five years for the manslaughter of his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, who he shot and killed on Valentine's Day 2013. The leading South African runner was also sentenced to a concurrent three years which were suspended for five for the reckless shooting of a gun in a restaurant. "I have weighed all the relevant factors, the purposes of punishment and all forms of justice, including restorative principles," presiding Judge Masipa said in her sentencing, "I have also taken into account the seriousness of the offence which led to the death of the deceased, the personal circumstances of the accused and the interests of society. Having regard to the circumstances in the matter, I am the view that a non-custodial sentence would send the wrong message to to the community.

On the other hand, a long sentence would not be appropriate as it lacks the elements of mercy." The paralympian champion’s trial started on 3 March 2014 in the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, after the State charged him with premeditated murder. Judge Masipa, the second black woman to be appointed as a judge in South Africa, had two assessors, a black man, Themba Mazibuko and a white woman, Janette Henzen du Toit, assist with evaluating the case and reaching a verdict. There is no trial by jury in South Africa as it was abolished in 1969 during apartheid, due to fears of racial prejudice by white jurors. South African paralympian, Oscar Pistorious The State had indicated last week during sentencing hearings that they wanted Pistorius to be sentenced to ten years in prison. "The minimum that society will be happy with will be ten years in prison," prosecutor Gerrie Nel said."This is a serious case." But the athlete's attorney, advocate Barry Roux argued for house arrest and community service, stating that Pistorius would be vulnerable in prison; "we have a vulnerable person that used excessive force...

He never ever entertained the thought that the deceased was in the toilet... he thought she was in the bedroom." Public opinion in South Africa and around the world has been varied. Most people believed that the athlete got a light sentence due to his race and economic status and particularly that the five-year sentence sent a wrong message, in light of violence against women and gun crimes in South Africa. Speaking from Pretoria, South Africa, Onica Makwakwa, Head of Office for Africa, Consumers International said, "once again both the verdict and the sentence of 5 years jail time fail to send a strong message with regards to violence against women in a country that so badly needs it. Disappointed indeed especially at the notion that showing remorse and praying, as we heard during the reading of the verdict, is even considered in such a matter as so many abusers apologize and even send flowers in cases of domestic violence. This sentence sends a wrong message to both men who may abuse women and especially women who are abused." Others thought the sentence was fair and reasonable given the star athlete's disability. Pistorius was also found guilty of firing a shot from his friend Darren Fresco’s glock pistol under a table at a restaurant in Johannesburg in January 2013.

He was found not guilty of shooting through the open sun roof of a car on 30 September 2012, and of illegal possession of ammunition. Pistorius could serve as little as ten months of his five year sentence before applying for house arrest, according to a member of his legal team. The athlete was taken to the Kgosi Mampuru II prison, formerly known as the Pretoria Central Prison where within six hours of being admitted, he would undergo a health assessment. According to Makwakwa, "South Africa is very accommodating to prisoners due to our own legacy of political imprisonment. For instance, if Pistorius pursues studies while in prison, he'll get six months knocked off for every module he completes." While both legal teams have two weeks to state whether they intend to appeal, Pistorius' uncle, Arnold Pistorius told news reporters that the family had accepted the judgement and the sentence, "I hope Oscar will start his own healing process as we walk down the path of restoration.

As a family we are ready to support and guide Oscar as he serves his sentence." The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has said the double-amputee runner who previously won six Paralympic gold medals, will be banned from athletics competitions until late 2019. The IPC said, under its rules, "the sentence means Pistorius is ineligible to compete for the entire five years regardless of where it is served." Follow me on Twitter @FaraiToday and Facebook Pistorius breaks down on stand in murder trial - AOL News Pistorius breaks down on stand in murder trial Before you go, we thought you'd like these... See Gallery Pistorius breaks down on stand in murder trial South African Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius (C) leaves the High Court in Pretoria on 8 August 2014. A verdict in the high profile murder trial of sports star Oscar Pistorius has been set for September 11, after lawyers wrapped up five months of drama-filled proceedings on August 8.

Eighteen months after Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day 2013, the star's fate now lies in the hands of South African Judge Thokozile Masipa. AFP PHOTO/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA SEPTEMBER 4: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Oscar Pistorius arrives at his Uncle's house on September 4, 2014 in Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial. Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014. (Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 21:(SOUTH AFRICA OUT) A broken toilet seat from the bathroom where the Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on August 21, 2014 in the house in Silver Woods Estate, Pretoria, South Africa.

Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial. Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014. (Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 21:(SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Bullet holes on the tiles inside the bathroom where the Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on August 21, 2014 in the house in Silver Woods Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial. Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014.

(Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 21:(SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Bullet holes on the tiles inside the bathroom where the Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on August 21, 2014 in the house in Silver Woods Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial. Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014. (Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 21:(SOUTH AFRICA OUT) An empty room in the house where the Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on August 21, 2014 in the house in Silver Woods Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial.

Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014. (Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 21:(SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Inside the bathroom where the Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on August 21, 2014 in the house in Silver Woods Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is currently awaiting the verdict on his murder trial. Judge Thokozile Masipa will deliver her verdict on September 11, 2014. (Photo by Waldo Swiegers/Sunday Times/Gallo Images/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 8: Oscar Pistorius walks past Reeva Steenkamp's parents in the Pretoria High Court on August 8, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa.

Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Herman Verwey - Pool/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 8: OBarry Roux gives his closing arguments in the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius in the Pretoria High Court on August 8, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Herman Verwey-Pool/Foto24/Gallo Image/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 8: Barry Roux gives his closing arguments in the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius in the Pretoria High Court on August 8, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Herman Verwey-Pool/Foto24/Gallo Image/Getty Images) South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius leaves the Pretoria High Court at the end of the first of two days of concluding arguments on August 7, 2014. A South African prosecutor branded Pistorius 'deceitful' and insisted the Paralympian cannot avoid a conviction for murdering his glamorous model girlfriend, as the state closed its case against him. AFP PHOTO/MuJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 8: Oscar Pistorius talks to a member of his defence team, Brian Webber in the Pretoria High Court on August 8, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Herman Verwey - Pool/Foto24/Gallo Image/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 7: Oscar Pistorius during his murder trial in the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate.

(Photo by Werner Beukes/Independent Newspapers/Gallo Image/Getty Images) South African paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius gestures during the presentation of the final arguments of his murder trial at the high court in Pretoria on August 7, 2014. Pistorius is accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who was fatally shot inside his home. AFP PHOTO/ POOL/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius leaves the Pretoria High Court at the end of the first of two days of concluding arguments on August 7, 2014. A South African prosecutor branded Pistorius 'deceitful' and insisted the Paralympian cannot avoid a conviction for murdering his glamorous model girlfriend, as the state closed its case against him.

AFP PHOTO/MuJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius leaves the Pretoria High Court at the end of the first of two days of concluding arguments on August 7, 2014. A South African prosecutor branded Pistorius 'deceitful' and insisted the Paralympian cannot avoid a conviction for murdering his glamorous model girlfriend, as the state closed its case against him. AFP PHOTO/MuJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) South African paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius attends the presentation of the final arguments of his murder trial at the high court in Pretoria on August 7, 2014. Pistorius is accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who was fatally shot inside his home.

AFP PHOTO/ POOL/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) South African paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius blows his nose during the presentation of the final arguments of his murder trial at the high court in Pretoria on August 7, 2014. Pistorius is accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who was fatally shot inside his home. AFP PHOTO POOL/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 7 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Oscar Pistorius's father, Henke Pistorius leaves the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius, stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2014. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. Closing arguements begin today.

(Photo by Herman Verwey/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 7 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Barry Steenkamp, Reeva Steenkamp's father arrives at the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius, stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2014. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. Closing arguements begin today. (Photo by Herman Verwey/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) South African paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius (C) arrives to take part in a hearing of his murder trial at the high court in Pretoria on August 7 2014. Pistorius is accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who was fatally shot inside his home.

AFP PHOTO/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 7: Oscar Pistorius during his murder trial in the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Werner Beukes/Independent Newspapers/Gallo Image/Getty Images) Oscar Pistorius listens to evidence being given in court in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, April 15, 2014 after questioning by state prosecutor Gerrie Nel, had earlier finished. Pistorius is charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013.

(AP Photo/Alon Skuy, Pool) Oscar Pistorius puts on his jacket as he arrives at the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, April 11, 2014. The chief prosecutor laughed scornfully at an answer from Pistorius during the Olympic athlete's murder trial Thursday, mocking the man who shot his girlfriend. Pistorius is charged with murder for the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) The bullet-riddled toilet door through which Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Sttenkamp is exhibited in court in Pretoria, South Africa, Monday, April 14, 2014. The chief prosecutor in the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius on Monday accused him of tailoring his version of how he killed his girlfriend to fit evidence at the scene, exhaustively listing alleged inconsistencies in the athlete's account of the fatal shooting of Reeva Steenkamp.

(AP Photo/Antoine de Ras, Pool) South African chief state prosecutor Gerrie Nel questions Oscar Pistorius in court in Pretoria, South Africa, Monday, April 14, 2014. A judge temporarily adjourned the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius after the athlete started to sob while testifying about the moments before he killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home last year. (AP Photo/Antoine de Ras, Pool) South African chief state prosecutor Gerrie Nel gestures as he explains a possible scenario into how Oscar Pistorius might have fired on girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, in court in Pretoria, South Africa, Monday, April 14, 2014. A judge temporarily adjourned the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius after the athlete started to sob while testifying about the moments before he killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home last year. (AP Photo/Antoine de Ras, Pool) Sister of Oscar Pistorius Aimee Pistorius, center, attends his murder trial as chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel questions Oscar Pistorius in court in Pretoria, South Africa, Monday, April 14, 2014.

Pistorius who is charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013, is being cross-examined at his trial for the fourth day by Nel. (AP Photo/Kim Ludbrook, Pool) Oscar Pistorius arrives at the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, April 9, 2014. Pistorius is charged with murder for the shooting death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Oscar Pistorius leaves the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, April 9, 2014. Pistorius is charged with murder for shooting dead his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) State prosecutor Gerrie Nel during cross questioning of Oscar Pistorius, in court in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, April 9, 2014. Pistorius is charged with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013.

(AP Photo/Siphiwe Sibeko, Pool) Lois and Arnold Pistorius, aunt and uncle of South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, cry as he testifies during his ongoing murder trial in Pretoria, South Africa, on April 8, 2014. Star Paralympian Oscar Pistorius returned to the witness box at his murder trial on April 8, insisting he and girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp had a loving relationship and saw a future together before he shot her dead on Valentine's Day. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KIM LUDBROOK (Photo credit should read KIM LUDBROOK/AFP/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 9: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Gina Myers, Reeva Steenkamp's best friend, is overcome with emotion as she listens to Oscar Pistorius' testimony in the Pretoria High Court on April 9, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2014.

This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi - Pool/Getty Images) Oscar Pistorius leaves the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, March 25, 2014. Pistorius is charged with murder for the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Oscar Pistorius hops into the car as a police offer watches the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, March 25, 2014. Pistorius is charged with murder for the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Oscar Pistorius leaves the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, Monday, March 24, 2014. Pistorius is charged with murder for the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013.

(AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Oscar Pistorius, left, with a relative leaves the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, Monday, March 24, 2014. Pistorius is charged with murder for the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 11 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Oscar Pistorius arrives at the Pretoria High Court on April 11, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius, stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2014. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate.

(Photo by Deaan Vivier/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 11 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Oscar Pistorius arrives at the Pretoria High Court on April 11, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius, stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2014. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Deaan Vivier/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 7: scar Pistorius's defence lawyer Barry Roux in the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013.

This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Werner Beukes/Independent Newspapers/Gallo Image/Getty Images) South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius (L) reads notes during the lunch break on the first of two days of concluding arguments at the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014. A South African prosecutor branded Pistorius 'deceitful' and insisted the Paralympian cannot avoid a conviction for murdering his glamorous model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, as the state closed its case against him. AFP PHOTO/POOL/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius attends the first of two days of concluding arguments at the Pretoria High Court on August 7, 2014. A South African prosecutor branded Pistorius 'deceitful' and insisted the Paralympian cannot avoid a conviction for murdering his glamorous model girlfriend, as the state closed its case against him.

AFP PHOTO/POOL/MUJAHID SAFODIEN (Photo credit should read MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP/Getty Images) BY COURT ORDER, THIS IMAGE IS FREE TO USE. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA -AUGUST 8: Oscar Pistorius's family in the Pretoria High Court on August 8, 2014, in Pretoria, South Africa. Oscar Pistorius stands accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. This is Pistorius' official trial, the result of which will determine the paralympian athlete's fate. (Photo by Herman Verwey-Pool/Foto24/Gallo Image/Getty Images) Up Next Oscar Pistorius shooting - Latest news updates, Reaction, Pictures, Video - Mirror Online News Oscar Pistorius shooting South African athlete Oscar Pistorius was charged with murder after shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on 14 February 2013. In September 2014, after a six-month trial, he was found not guilty of murder but guilty of culpable homicide.

Oscar Pistorius Reportedly Kills Girlfriend After Mistaking Her for Intruder | Bleacher Report Oscar Pistorius Reportedly Kills Girlfriend After Mistaking Her for Intruder By Tyler Conway , Featured Columnist Feb 14, 2013 Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse more stories 177.7K 233 Comments South African Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Pistorius reportedly shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in his home early Thursday morning after mistaking her for an intruder, according to a Reuters report . Johannesburg's Talk Radio 702 said Pistorius was understood to have shot his girlfriend in the head and arm, although the circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear. He may have mistaken her for a burglar, the radio report said. UPDATE: Saturday, Feb. 16, at 12:41 p.m. ET by Tyler Conway More details continue to emerge about what exactly happened in Pistorius' home on Thursday morning.

According to The Telegraph , Pistorius was seen by security guards carrying Steenkamp down the stairs in his arms and tried resuscitating her: Sources told Beeld, the Afrikaans language newspaper, that security guards who heard the shots and rushed to the house saw the Paralympic gold medalist was seen running down the stairs with the blonde model in his arms. ---End of update--- UPDATE: Friday, Feb. 15, at 7:55 a.m. ET by Tim Daniels Pistorius has formally been charged with one count of murder for the death of Steenkamp, according to the Associated Press (via Yahoo News). The report states prosecutors plan to pursue a premeditated murder charge and that the Olympian broke down while in court. Pistorius stood with his face in his hands as he broke down in tears on his first at the appearance Pretoria Magistrates' Court. The magistrate delayed Pistorius' bail hearing until next Tuesday and Wednesday and ruled that the 26-year-old Pistorius would be held at a police station in Pretoria until then. Police have said they oppose the granting of bail. ---End of update--- UPDATE: Thursday, Feb.

14, at 11:50 a.m. ET by Brandon Galvin More details surrounding the incident at Pistorius' home are surfacing. NBC News' John Newland, Jason Cumming and Cecile Antonie have the latest: [South African Police spokeswoman Denise] Beukes said there were no signs of forced entry to the home and said that police would oppose any application Pistorius might make to be released on bail. Beukes said there had been reports about previous problems at Pistorius' home that were 'allegations of a domestic nature.' When a reporter asked if she meant domestic violence, she nodded and said yes. It's too soon to jump to any conclusions, but the report of a past domestic transgression does not paint the "Blade Runner" in the most favorable of lights. ---End of update--- UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 14, at 8 a.m ET by Michael Cahill Shiv Malik of The Guardian is reporting (via correspondent David Smith) that Pistorius' court date has been rescheduled from 2 p.m. local time Thursday. No word in the report as to why there was a delay. Pistorius will not appear in court until Friday.

---End of update--- UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 14, at 7:10 a.m. ET by Brandon Galvin Oscar Pistorius is being charged with murder, according to USA Today's Kim Hjelmgaard . South African police on Friday said they would charge Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius with murder after his girlfriend was shot and killed at his home early Thursday morning... The circumstances of the incident are still unclear but police in South Africa said they would oppose bail when the Paralympic gold medalist appears in court later today... ...Britain's Sky News first named the woman as Reeva Steenkamp, a model and recent contestant on 'Tropika Island of Treasure 5,' a South African reality TV show. A talent agent for Steenkamp said she was the victim. However, police have yet to confirm the woman's relationship with the Olympic and Paralympic athlete. ---End of update--- UPDATE: Thursday, Feb. 14, at 3:10 a.m.

ET by Ian Hanford According to SportsCenter , Pistorius has been arrested: BREAKING:Oscar Pistorius, Olympic double-amputee runner arrested.Police say he shot and killed a woman at his home in South Africa. News24.com originally reported the belief that the woman killed at the scene was indeed Pistorius' girlfriend. Gallo Images/Getty Images Reeva Steenkamp The incident happened around 4 a.m. local time in the capital city of Pretoria, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. This news will undoubtedly send shockwaves through South Africa and the Olympic community. Pistorius, 26, is largely seen as one of the pioneers among Paralympic runners. A double amputee, Pistorius miraculously achieved mainstream status for his unconventional, blade-like prosthesis. Dominating his overmatched competition, he captured gold medals in each of the past three Paralympic Games and set world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints . But Pistorius' journey into the national consciousness did not just end with his dominance in the Paralympic Games.

At the 2012 Games in London, Pistorius became the first amputee runner to compete in the Olympics . He represented South Africa in both the 400-meter individual sprints and the 4x400-meter relay race. Though he ultimately walked away medal-less, the effect and legacy of Pistorius was unmistakable. His story transcended sports and nationalities to provide inspiration to both the handicapped and able-bodied people across the world. Though more facts are sure to come out, Thursday morning's incident is undoubtedly a sad turn in what has been such an incredible story.

Question: What South African paralympian shot and killed his girlfriend?
Answer: Oscar Pistorious