Oscar Pistorius sentenced to 6 years in prison for death of Reeva Steenkamp

Three years after the tragedy, Oscar Pistorius, a South African athlete, has been sentenced to six years in prison for the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, the UK’s Guardian reported.

Reeva, a model and reality star, was killed at Oscar’s home in Pretoria, South Africa, on February 14, 2013. Oscar had claimed he mistakenly shot her several times through a bathroom door because he thought a stranger had broken into his home. However, loved ones had expressed concern that she was killed in an act of domestic violence.

The six-year sentencing is less than many people following the case had expected, given that the mandatory minimum for murder is 15 years. The Guardian noted that Oscar Pistorius had originally been sentenced to five years for culpable homicide but it was later appealed. He will be eligible for parole after three years, the New York Times noted.

Oscar Pistorius is a double amputee who had his legs removed below the knee at 11 months old. He’s a Paralympic athlete who competed in the 2012 Olympics and runs with prosthetic legs, leading to the nickname “Blade Runner.”

The judge presiding over the case told the court room, “He’s a fallen hero who has lost his career and is ruined financially. The worst is that having taken the life of a fellow human being in the manner that he did, he cannot be at peace.” Although nothing will bring their daughter back, we hope Oscar Pistorius’ sentencing will bring some measure of peace to Reeva Steenkamp’s parents and loved ones.