As the Oscar Pistorius murder trial now begins the month-long process of waiting for Judge Thokozile Masipa's decision on Sept. 11, one part of the defense's closing arguments that was especially startling went public on Saturday.
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BBC.com reported that Barry Roux, Pistorius' defense lawyer, made the curious comparison of the disabled Pistorius' "primal" reaction in firing his gun at a bathroom door because he thought an intruder was behind it to the "case of an abused woman finally turning on her spouse."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28724230
The shots were responsible for the death of Pistorius' girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The prosecution has argued that Pistorius, the double-amputee South African sprinter, intentionally shot Steenkamp through the bathroom door after the two had been fighting earlier.
"The accused intended to kill a human being," chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel said., according to the Daily Mail. "There must be consequences."
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Pistorius contends that he shot her by accident on the morning of Valentine's Day in 2013, thinking she was an intruder.
Roux argued that the athlete's long-held fear of being attacked with the disability played a central role in an accidental killing.
Pistorius faces at least 25 years up to life in prison if convicted of premeditated murder. South Africa does not have the death penalty. He could serve 15 years if Judge Masipa determines that the murder was not premeditated. She will decide the verdict, as jury trials do not exist in South Africa.
According to CNN, Pistorius is facing three other weapons charges in addition to murder. The most serious carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
Do you think Oscar Pistorius' defense lawyer made a mistake in comparing his mindset as he shot through the bathroom door to that of an abused woman turning on her spouse? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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