Oscar Pistorius was not suffering from a mental condition on Valentine’s Day 2013 when he shot and killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, according to a report submitted in South African court today.
The athlete’s murder trial had been delayed for one month for Pistorius to receive a mental evaluation, after a witness claimed that Pistorius had an anxiety disorder that could have influenced his actions.
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Judge Thokozile Masipa received reports from a panel of one psychologist and three psychiatrists who assessed whether the double-amputee athlete – known as “Blade Runner” for his prosthetics – was capable of understanding the wrongfulness of shooting Steenkamp. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel referred to key parts of the conclusions, noting that the experts believed Pistorius was "capable of appreciating the wrongfulness of his act" when he killed Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model.
The full report has not been made public, as the prosecution might call witnesses to testify about it.
Pistorius, who wore a dark suit in court Monday, has said that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder. Prosecutors argue that he purposefully shot her.
Pistorius faces 25 years to life in prison if found guilty of premeditated murder, and could also face years in prison if convicted of murder without premeditation or negligent killing. He is free on bail.
Pistorius was evaluated as an outpatient at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in Pretoria, the South African capital. He has been staying at the upscale home of his uncle.
Following the resumption of the trial, Pistorius removed his prosthetics in court to demonstrate his difficulty in moving around without them.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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