I Didn't Think He Had A Leg To Stand On

[bust]

Oscar Pistorius has been cleared of murder over the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

 

Judge Thokozile Matilda Masipa tonight found the Paralympian had no intent to kill when he shot Steenkamp through the bathroom door of his Pretoria home on Valentine’s Day, 2013.

She dismissed charges of both premeditated murder and common-law murder.

"The state clearly has not proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of premeditated murder," Judge Masipa said.

"Viewed in its totality the evidence failed to establish that the accused had the requisite intention to kill the deceased let alone with premeditation.

"Clearly he did not objectively foresee this as a possibility, that he would kill the person behind the door."

The 27-year-old sat in the dock and burying his head in his hands after the finding was made.

 

He still faces possible charges of culpable homicide, equivalent to manslaughter.

The court has adjourned for lunch, with a final verdict set to be delivered after the hour break.

Culpable homicide has no set minimum jail term, with a maximum of 15 years.

It has been touted as the trial of the century.

 

http://www.9news.com...CAUPe9It6LrI.99

[The_Munchmaster]

No trial by jury in SA I believe.

[Flashermac]

BBC now says she has adjourned the court for the day.

 

Bizarre judgements ...

 

1) So he didn't know it was her in the loo when he shot the crap out of the door. Fair enough, but then to say he didn't know if he'd kill whomever was in there is a far stretch.

 

2) "Clearly he did not objectively foresee this as a possibility, that he would kill the person behind the door." What the hell does she think happens when you unload a pistol at a small room with someone inside it? Bullets do tend to kill the person they hit, especially when you empty your weapon at them.

 

[Flashermac]

No trial by jury in SA I believe.

 

Apparently it is entirely this gal's call, with maybe someone to advise her.

[bust]

Sounding like she may convict on the lesser charge. Can't see him getting off scott free.

[JaiRai]

History of significant domestic violence incidents on record, along with threatening texts and conversation in the days up to the shooting.

 

But since he shot her through the bathroom door he didn't realize it was her - and no intent to kill?? wtf. Patently absurd to let him off for trivial and naive reasoning. If he doesn't receive something it's a farce. Tragic for her family.

[Guest]

Why did he think it was an intruder, and not just his girlfriend in the bathroom ?

 

Surley to come to the decision that it was an intruder, by logical deduction he would first check to see if his girlfriend was still there beside him in bed.

[baa99]

There are 2 "advisers" on the panel that could over rule the judge. Obviously, they didn't.

[JaiRai]

^^ not sure what your point is. That makes the verdict correct? Curious to see what they do with manslaughter.

 

One of my favorite quotes from the judge on the case:

 

""During his evidence, he seemed composed and logical ... (but) under cross-examination he lost his composure ... (and it seemed) the accused was suffering from enormous emotional stress and was traumatized by reliving the incident," she said. "The accused therefore cannot be found guilty of murder dolus eventualis (legal intent)..."

 

Really? Are you fucking serious. It's like the opposite of Camus' "The Stranger" where his lack of emotion made him guilty (when he wasn't), in this case his 'emotional stress' on the stand indicates innocence? Puh-leaze.

[bust]

Favourite defence quote............Barry Roux SC said: "All I'm saying when he's anxious his voice pitches and it sounds like a woman screaming."