Oscar Psitorius convicted of culpable homicide, but was cleared of murder charges; Reeva Steenkamp's family not satisfied with the decision
By Staff Writer | Sep 13, 2014 08:37 PM EDT
The long wait is over as the verdict on Oscar Pistorius' case trial is finally out. However, family of the victim thinks that the decision fell short from what they consider as "justice."
On September 12, The Paralympian has been convicted with culpable homicide over the shooting of girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013. He was, however, cleared of the murder charge.
According to The Week, Judge Thokozile Masipa told the court that there was a lack of evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Pistorius was guilty of premeditated murder.
Because of this, Pistorius could face up to 15 years of imprisonment on the culpable homicide charge. He will be sentence on October 13.
He was also found guilty on one firearms charge, but was acquitted on two other charges.
June Steenkamp, mother of the killed model, expressed her disappointment over Judge Masipa's decision in an interview with NBC News.
"This verdict is not justice for Reeva. I just want the truth. He shot through the door and I can't believe that they believe it was an accident," said the weeping mother.
She added that the effect of the verdict to Pistorius does not matter to her and that the outcome does not make any difference.
"It's not going to change anything because my daughter is never coming back. He's still living and breathing and she's gone, you know, forever," Steenkamp said.
Meanwhile, Oscar's uncle Arnold Pistorius expressed her gratitude to Judge Masipa and said that there were no winners in his nephew's trial.
"We always knew the facts of the matter and we never had any doubt in Oscar's version of this tragic incident," he said.
"We respect the fact that the legal process is not over and must always be run in the course of justice and furthermore, a tragic event like this has no victors...we as a family remain deeply affected by this devastating tragic event. It won't bring Reeva back, but our hearts go out to her family and friends. Against this background we won't make further statements or take questions," said Arnold.