A day after being cleared of a premeditated murder accusation, Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of “culpable homicide” and firearms charges in South Africa. Judge Thokozile Masipa’s ruling indicates that she believes Pistorius did not intentionally kill Reeva Steenkamp, but acted negligently and unreasonably when he fired a gun toward her in his home. From the BBC:
The double amputee had denied murdering Ms Steenkamp after a row on Valentine’s Day last year, saying he shot her by mistake.
With this the judge agreed, saying “it cannot be said that the accused did not entertain a genuine belief that there was an intruder”.
But she said: “The accused knew there was a person behind the toilet door, he chose to use a firearm.
“I am of the view the accused acted too hastily and used too much force. It is clear his conduct is negligent.”
Pistorius could face 15 years in prison or could be let off with a suspended sentence or a fine; prosecutors have said they will wait until the judge imposes punishment before deciding whether to appeal.
