Oscar Pistorius sentence for culpable homicide expected Tuesday
Olympic double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is expected to receive his sentence for being found guilty of culpable homicide on Tuesday, according to TheAssociated Press.
Pistorius faces up to 15 years in prison after a South African judge found him guilty of culpable homicide, or negligent killing, in the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The judge found Pistorius not guilty of murder and premeditated murder. Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp in his home on Feb. 14, 2013, claiming he accidentally shot her through a bathroom door after believing there was an intruder in his home.
• VIDEO: How Oscar Pistorius went from track star to accused murderer
Prosecutors want at least 10 years in prison for Pistorius. His defense lawyers have recommended three years of correctional supervision, with periods of house arrest and community service. There is no minimum sentence for culpable homicide.
His defense team has also argued that Pistorius would be vulnerable in jail and that South African jails cannot cater to his disability.
"It has been a long journey to this point," Pistorius' sister, Aimee, told eNCA. "A very taxing one. It is difficult to support someone through something like this -- all the guilt and ridicule and obviously the exposure that has come with it."
- Molly Geary
