‘Blade Runner’ Oscar Pistorius arrested in shooting murder of model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
South Africa is reeling after a beloved model is dead, those who knew her are in mourning, and one of the world’s most admired Olympians is charged with her murder after a Valentine’s Day shooting in South Africa.
Oscar Pistorius, a Paralympic runner who competed in last summer’s Olympics, is accused of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. A shooting took place inside his upscale home in Pretoria, South Africa, early Thursday, and only the two of them were there at the time, police said.
Known as the “Blade Runner” for his achievements on prosthetic limbs, Pistorius will be named officially as the suspect when he appears in court Friday, in keeping with South African law.
Investigators gave no motive for the alleged killing.
Police were alerted to the shooting by neighbors, and residents had “heard things earlier,” spokeswoman Denise Beukes said.
A police spokeswoman said there had been “previous incidents” at the home, including “allegations of a domestic nature.”
Steenkamp was an outspoken advocate against domestic violence.
Pistorius made no public statement. His spokeswoman Kate Silvers said the athlete is “assisting the police with their investigation but there will be no further comment until matters become clearer later today.” Police also said Pistorius is cooperating.
He arrived Thursday at a police station in Pretoria.