Oscar Pistorius Cries During Court Appearance: 'Blade Runner,' Charged With Killing Girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, Sobs During Bail Hearing [PHOTOS]

  • Rate this Story
  • 0
  • 0

By IBTimes Staff Reporter | February 16, 2013 1:10 AM EST

Oscar Pistorius broke down in tears when the double amputee track star and Olympian appeared in a South African court Friday on charges he murdered his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius was in court for a bail hearing – prosecutors want the South African known as “Blade Runner” to be denied bail – Friday, which was ultimately adjourned until Tuesday, The New York Times reported. The track star, who was the first double leg amputee to participate in the Olympic Games, was silent throughout the court appearance.

Reuters
Oscar Pistorius sobs during his court appearance on charges that he murdered his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius was seen sobbing as attorneys and court personnel were deciding whether the court hearing should be shown on television, according to The Times.

David Smith, Africa correspondent for The Guardian, tweeted a description of Pistorius during the court appearance in Pretoria, South Africa.

“Pistorius in suit stands in dock. He breaks down in tears, fingers pressed to his eyes. He sits with head bowed,” Smith tweeted.

The 26-year-old, who won two gold Medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, also “shook uncontrollably with his head buried in his hands,” during the court appearance, CNN reported. He had both his legs amputated when he was 11 months old after doctors discovered he was born without fibulas.

Prosecutors are expected to argue that the South African track star committed the premeditated murder of Steenkamp, his 30-year-old model girlfriend.

Because of Friday’s decision to adjourn the bail hearing to Tuesday, Pistorius will remain in jail until that time. If bail is remanded, he will continue to be locked out throughout the duration of his trial.

Considered a hero and role model in South Africa, Pistorius shocked the nation and the world when he was charged with murder in Steenkamp’s death.

Initial reports indicated that Pistorius told police that he shot Steenkamp after mistaking her for a burglar, but authorities said those reports are inaccurate.

To contact the editor, e-mail:

1 2
(Photo: Reuters / )
Oscar Pistorius sobs during his court appearance on charges that he murdered his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
(Photo: Reuters / )
Oscar Pistorius breaks down during his court appearance in South Africa.
  • Rate this Story
  • 0
  • 0
This article is copyrighted by International Business Times, the business news leader

Join the Conversation

IBTimes TV

E-Newsletters

We value your privacy. Your email address will not be shared.