KIM LUDBROOK/POOL/EPA
South African prosecutors say they will appeal the verdict and sentence handed down to fallen national hero Oscar Pistorius last week in the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The 27-year-old former Olympian was found guilty last week of culpable homicide and slapped with a five year sentence.
But under South African law, the double amputee known as the Blade Runner for his prothestic attachments, can apply for parole in as little as 10 months and serve out the rest of his sentence at home.
The judge last month acquitted Pistorius of premeditated murder, which would have guaranteed a much longer prison term.
Pistorius shot dead his 29-year-old supermodel girlfriend on Valentine's Day 2013, claiming he mistook the stunner for an intruder at his Pretoria home.
Steenkamp was blasted four times as she cowered behind a locked bathroom door and prosecutors said the two were in the midst of the fight when the shooting broke out.
The model's parents say Steenkamp meant to leave Pistorius that night after a rocky, three month long relationship. She claims the couple never had sex because Steenkamp feared the gun-loving Pistorius and didn't want to take the courtship 'to that level.'
STRINGER/REUTERS
Prosecutors denied on Sunday that an appeal was in the works.
With News Wire Services
sgoldstein@nydailynews.com
Posted by Unknown on Monday, October 27, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
0 comments "Oscar Pistorius trial: South African prosecutors to appeal verdict, sentence"
Post a Comment