Bloody Cricket Bat Could Be Key Evidence In Oscar Pistorius Murder Trial: Reports

Bloody bat found in Pistorious home

Olympic star Oscar Pistorious has been formally charged with one count of murder. The runner has been charged with the death of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steencamp. The shooting occurred on Valentines Day at the home of Pistorious.

Steencamp was shot four times and died at the scene. A nine millimeter pistol was recovered in the home.

Now additional reports from the City Press claim that a bloody cricket bat was also found at the crime scene. The bat is said to be a central piece of evidence in the case that is slowly being pieced together by detectives.

The unconfirmed reports of the cricket bat being in the home are in addition to reports saying that the Olympic runner may also have tried to resuscitate his girlfriend after the shooting.

“There was lots of blood on the bat. Forensic tests will show whose blood it was,” said a source with inside knowledge of the case.

Unconfirmed reports are also circulating that speculate the model was shot when she was mistaken for a home intruder. However, according to the paper, police found no evidence of forced entry.

During his appearance in court Friday, prosecutors indicated that they plan to pursue a charge of premeditated murder against the sprinter. This charge carries a life sentence and Pistorius openly wept in court as he listened to this development.

“After consulting with legal representatives, we deeply regret the allegation of premeditated murder,” Arnold Pistorius, Oscar’s uncle, told The Associated Press on Saturday. “We have no doubt there is no substance to the allegation and that the state’s own case, including its own forensic evidence, strongly refutes any possibility of a premeditated murder or murder as such.”

Pistorious remains in jail awaiting a bail hearing.

On The Web:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/17/oscar-pistorius-cricket-bat-murder-investigation_n_2707301.html