Pistorius trial: witness heard screams

Pistorius trial witness heard screams

Pistorius Trial Underway – Lead Witness Recounts Hearing Screams

Pretoria, South Africa – The murder trial of world renowned athlete Oscar Pistorius is officially underway. Pistorius is on trial for the premeditated murder of his girlfriend and live-in lover Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day, 2013. The trial has spawned a media frenzy with reporters camped out in key locations where any news breaking details may emerge.

Pistorius himself was famous for his performance in the Olympics where he competed in the 400m sprint despite having been born without legs. The first witness was his next door neighbor Michelle Burger. Speaking in her native Afrikaans, she described hearing a woman (presumably Steenkamp) scream from within her home. Those screams were later followed by a man calling out for help. At some point later, she recalled hearing blood curdling screams which were followed by the sound of gunfire, four shots to be exact.

Pistorius admits to killing Steenkamp, but only in accident. He claims he mistook her as a home invader hiding behind the bathroom door when he began discharging his gun through the door. Three of the four bullets struck his girlfriend in the arm and leg, but the fatal shot struck her in the head. If convicted, he will face life in prison.

Reeva Steenkamp

Source:
Pistorius trial witness: ‘bloodcurdling screams’ then shots
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/03/us-safrica-pistorius-idUSBREA220H620140303