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             Pistorius Arrives at Court for Verdict in Murder Trial

   by VOA News

   South African runner Oscar Pistorius is back in a Pretoria court to
   hear the verdict in his murder trial.

   Thursday's court session features judge Thokozile Masipa recounting the
   evidence and testimony from nearly 40 witnesses who appeared during the
   41-day trial. The proceedings are expected to extend into Friday.

   Prosecutors say Pistorius intentionally shot his girlfriend, Reeva
   Steenkamp, through a locked bathroom door at his home in February of
   last year. Pistorius says he thought he was shooting at a nighttime
   intruder.

   The judge could hand down three possible guilty verdicts for the main
   charge, including murder, premeditated murder and culpable homicide. If
   convicted, Pistorius could face up to 25 years to life in prison.
   Sentencing would take place at a later date.

   Pistorius also faces lesser firearm-related charges.

   Because South Africa has no trial by jury, Judge Masipa is deciding the
   case with the help of two legal assistants.

   The 66-year-old Masipa was only the second black woman to be appointed
   a high court judge in South Africa and has a reputation for handing
   down stiff sentences in crimes against women.

   Pistorius is known as the "blade runner" for his carbon-fiber
   prosthetic legs.  He was the first double-amputee to compete in the
   Olympics at the 2012 games in London.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-pistorius-verdict/2445957.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-pistorius-verdict/2445957.html