PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — A South African prosecutor says Oscar Pistorius offered $34,000 to the family of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, after he killed her. But the prosecutor says the family rejected it because they didn’t want “blood money.”
The disclosure came today at the sentencing hearing for the double-amputee track star.
At his trial, a judge found Pistorius not guilty on the murder charge in the shooting death of Steenkamp. The judge concluded that he acted hastily and with excessive force, but that he didn’t intend to kill her. Pistorius, who was found guilty of culpable homicide, has said that he fired through a toilet door because he thought the person behind the door was an intruder.
At today’s hearing, the prosecutor referred to separate monthly payments of $550 that Pistorius apparently did make to Steenkamp’s parents after they asked for help. The prosecutor said that money would be paid back in full.
A social worker testified today that Pistorius should be placed under house arrest, instead of being sent to prison. The social worker said South African prisons are violent and overcrowded, and that Pistorius would be under duress, partly because of his disability.
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139-a-17-(Peet van Zyl (van-SAYL’), South Africa agent for Oscar Pistorius, in courtroom during sentencing phase of Pistorius trial)-“to the world”-Peet Van Zyl, an agent for Oscar Pistorius, appeals for a lenient sentence by telling the judge that Pistorius would still be able to inspire people if he’s allowed to make speaking engagements. (In keeping with tradition, he addresses the judge as ‘M’lady.’) (14 Oct 2014)
< 140-a-11-(Gerrie (HEHR’-ee) Nel, state prosecutor, with Peet van Zyl (van-SAYL’), South Africa agent for Oscar Pistorius, in courtroom during sentencing phase of Pistorius trial)-“I can make”-Prosecutor Gerrie Nel accuses agent Peet Van Zyl of going for a lenient sentence by portraying his client as a victim. (14 Oct 2014) < APPHOTO XDF110: Oscar Pistorius rubs his eyes as he sits in court as the sentencing process entered a second day, Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday Oct. 14, 2014. Pistorius was being portrayed as a “poor victim” ahead of his sentencing for killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, the chief prosecutor said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, Pool) (14 Oct 2014) < Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
