Oscar Is Numb With Shock, Grief, Pistorius' Family Says

Family members of double amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius say pre-meditated murder charges against him will be proven false.

Published

3 months ago

Categories

World

Topics

Africa, Olympic Sports

People

Oscar Pistorius, Reeva Steenkamp, Anthony Pistorius

Places

South Africa, Pretoria

Transcript

EDIT CONTAINS 4:3 MATERIAL Family members of Oscar Pistorius who's accused of murdering his girlfriend model Reeva Steencamp say the double amputee athlete is shocked and numb with grief. Oscar's uncle, Anthony Pistorius. (SOUNDBITE) (English) OSCAR PISTORIUS' UNCLE, ANTHONY PISTORIUS, SAYING: "We are all aggrieved about Reeva and our hearts go out to her family and her friends. Oscar, as you can imagine, is also numb with shock and grief and total pain." Last week, Steencamp was found dead in Pistorius's home in Pretoria, South Africa. Initial reports said he mistook her for an intruder, but prosecutors alleged the shooting was premeditated. Pistorius' family says those charges will be proven false during the trial. During a court appearance last week he broke down when the charges were read against him. Pistorius is one of the world's most recognizable athletes, known as Blade Runner for the pair of prosthetic limbs he uses while running, and competed against able bodied athletes in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The murder has shocked South Africa where he is considered a hometown hero for his triumph over adversity. Pistorius remains in police custody. He's due back in court later this week.