Oscar Pistorius Cries During Court Appearance: 'Blade Runner,' Charged With Killing Girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, Sobs During Bail Hearing [PHOTOS]
Oscar Pistorius broke down in tears during his court appearance in South Africa, on charges he murdered his model-girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Pistorius was in court on Friday for a bail hearing that was adjourned until Tuesday, the New York Times reported. Prosecutors have said they are opposed to bail for the double-amputee track star and Olympian, known as “Blade Runner.” The track star, who was the first double-leg amputee to participate in the Olympic Games, was silent throughout the court appearance.
Pistorius was seen sobbing as attorneys and court personnel were deciding whether the court hearing should be shown on television.
David Smith, Africa correspondent for the (UK) Guardian, tweeted a description of Pistorius during the court appearance in Pretoria.
“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, “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 up 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 Steenkamp’s murder.
Initial reports indicated that Pistorius told police that he shot Steenkamp after mistaking her for a burglar, but authorities have said those reports are inaccurate.
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