The trial of Oscar Pistorius for the Valentine's Day killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp -- Pretoria, South Africa

DATELINE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYRFEnT9-d0

From comment section. Scroll down.

" ...Bob Broom - March 25, 2014 at 07:59

We all still need to know what calls she may have made from her phone when she locked herself in the toilet, as I'm convinced she was trying one last, desperate attempt to get help? What person rushes to the toilet at 3am (or thereabouts) taking a cell-phone with her (perhaps more then one) and then locks herself in the toilet, away from this "loving relationship"? What about the blood spatter above his headboard - has this come up yet, as I'm not actively following court proceedings?..."

"... Maureen Murtaugh - March 25, 2014 at 16:28

Bob, I also have given a lot of thought to the blood splatter on the duvet cover and bedroom wall on Reeva's side. It has not been brought up again by the State. I can only think of 2 reasons: either the State had the blood tested and it did not belong to Reeva, or they are going to speculate during closing arguments as to how it got there. If the blood is Reeva's then one possibility is that after seeing his handiwork, OP ran back into the bedroom and threw back the duvet to make it look like she had slept there. In the sudden movement some blood on his arm from the bathroom wall had flung on to the wall and duvet. (It's all I can come up with) butI'm open to other possible explanations - besides the police putting it there.... "

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Oscar_Pistorius/Reeva-may-have-deleted-Oscars-message-20140325

Pistorius used phone hour before Reeva's death

2014-03-25 10:49

Pretoria - A phone belonging to murder-accused Oscar Pistorius was used for an internet connection at 01:48 on the morning he shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead, the North Gauteng High Court heard on Monday.

The connection lasted for 309 seconds - five minutes and 15 seconds, according to testimony by police cellphone analyst Captain Francois Moller.

Pistorius said at his bail application that he and Steenkamp went to bed around 10:00 on 13 February and he was woken up on 14 February by what he thought was an intruder in his house. He shot through a toilet door and only afterwards realised Steenkamp was in there.

Read more:

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Oscar_Pistorius/Pistorius-used-phone-hour-before-Reevas-death-20140325

1st call after Reeva's shooting at 03:19

2014-03-25 11:02

~Snipped~

Pistorius's first voice call in the early morning of 14 February 2013 was at 03:19 to a number ending in 2251, which was saved on Pistorius's phone as "Johan Silver Woods", police captain Francois Moller said during Pistorius's murder trial.

Johan Stander is the head of security at the Silver Woods estate, where Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp through the locked door of his toilet, apparently thinking she was an intruder.

Moller was being questioned by prosecutor Gerrie Nel.

At 03:20 the phone was used to make an internet connection. Moller told the court earlier this could include use of social networks like Twitter, Facebook, or WhatsApp.

At 03:20 Pistorius called 082911, an emergency services number. The call lasted 66 seconds.

This was followed by another internet connection, and then a call at 03:21 to a number ending in 6797 - security at the Silver Woods estate.

Then, at 03:21 Pistorius called 121, his voice mailbox number. A minute later, Silver Woods' security called Pistorius back.

More internet connections followed, and then, at 03:55, Pistorius called his friend Justin Divaris.
At 04:01 he called his older brother Carl.

Read more:

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Oscar_Pistorius/1st-call-after-Reevas-shooting-at-0319-20140325

FIRST ON THE SCENE

Pistorius named Johan Stander, a manager at his gated estate, as the first person he called to get an ambulance after shooting Steenkamp. Pistorius says he then called paramedics. An unnamed doctor who lives nearby arrived at Pistorius' home with Stander, the athlete says, and their testimony on Pistorius' demeanor could be enlightening. Prosecutors say it was security guards who Pistorius first "walked into" when he carried a dying Steenkamp downstairs.

http://mynorthwest.com/17/2469631/Pistorius-trial-Who-are-the-witnesses

From above link:
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Oscar_Pistorius/1st-call-after-Reevas-shooting-at-0319-20140325

"Then, at 03:21 Pistorius called 121, his voice mailbox number. A minute later, Silver Woods' security called Pistorius back."

Supposition time:
1. Reeva took with her the cell phone into the toilet stall area
-- Who was she going to call at 3 AM?
--Who was she going to send a text message to at 3 AM?

2. Reeva locked the door of the toilet stall.
-- Why did she feel a need for this "extra" security at 3 AM?
**The reports of verbal dispute indicates she was unsure of her partner.

3. Neighbors report yelling coming from the residence. Windows were open which would help to carry the sound on a quiet early morning.
--OP states he was NOT aware Reeva was not in the bed.
--OP is probably a light sleeper. He was overly fearful of intruders despite living in a gated community, having a "roving" security patrol, and having several fire arms at hand. (He states he was fearful but he left the door open from the balcony to the bedroom, left the bathroom windows open, and knew there was a ladder propped up outside the bathroom window that had been left by workers earlier in the day. Does he sound fearful to you?)

4. OP called authorities and notified them of OP's shooting of Reeva. He then checks his voicemail?
--Why was OP checking his voice mail at this time? Keep in mind, he will ask neighbors and medical persons to try to save Reeva.
--What was OP wanting to determine by checking his voice mail?
Was OP checking to see if Reeva had placed a call from the bathroom (where she had fled with her phone) that could possibly incriminate him? Could Reeva have left some kind of message from the bathroom telling OP she was fed up with his immaturity, his controlling ways and she was done with him?

I am very curious as WHY Reeva took the phone to the bathroom and why OP felt the need AT THAT CRITICAL TIME to check his voicemail.
Something does not sit right with his actions.

Alessandra_Deux wrote:FIRST ON THE SCENE

Pistorius named Johan Stander, a manager at his gated estate, as the first person he called to get an ambulance after shooting Steenkamp. Pistorius says he then called paramedics. An unnamed doctor who lives nearby arrived at Pistorius' home with Stander, the athlete says, and their testimony on Pistorius' demeanor could be enlightening. Prosecutors say it was security guards who Pistorius first "walked into" when he carried a dying Steenkamp downstairs.

http://mynorthwest.com/17/2469631/Pistorius-trial-Who-are-the-witnesses

The unlocked front door:
Who and when was the front door unlocked to the security guard will encounter OP at the bottom of the stairwell as OP is carrying down Reeva?

Did the security guard have a master key to the house?

OP who reports he is concerned with home security went to bed leaving a window open, upper balcony door open (easily viewed from street), lives in a gated community, has "roving" security guards, and ample guns in the home. Would he have left the front door unlocked?

In the timeline:
IF OP unlocked the door for the security, WHEN did he do this?
OP shoots Reeva, puts on his legs,places a few calls, carries Reeva downstairs and ENCOUNTERS the guard.

  

Alessandra_Deux wrote:

justanopinion wrote:


Any opinions on how the trial is going… the cricket bat is suspicious!

Hi JAO!

Laurie James, a crime analyst, seems to believe that the prosecution has a strong case.  

The following is the link to the video where she speaks with Chriselda Lewis from SABC News:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERlFENcTkgs&list=UU8yH-uI81UUtEMDsowQyx1g

Thank you for the link… Alessandra very much appreciated.. I have been too busy to follow closely!

RELATED ARTICLE:

Pistorius trial: Police photos show traces of blood in bedroom

By Robyn Dixon
This post has been corrected. See the note at the bottom for details.
March 17, 2014, 3:36 p.m.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- Police photographs show unexplained drops of blood on the wall above the left-hand bedside table and bed headboard and on the duvet in the main bedroom of South African Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, according to evidence at his trial Monday.

The blood spatters appear to have been some distance from the trail of blood leading from the bathroom out into the hall, left when Pistorius carried his dying girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, down stairs from the bathroom where he shot her.

The police photos also showed damage to the main bedroom door at the edge of the door above the handle, which has so far not been explained by either the prosecution or the defense. Splinters and holes were visible in the picture.

Police photographs showed that the house had an alarm system and electronic alarm beams outside, designed to sound in the case of an intruder moving around outside.

Read more:

http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-pistorius-trial-blood-20140317,0,5939770.story#ixzz2x7cQdwOH

Interesting info re the bedroom door being damaged. I hope he is questioned re this IF he takes the stand. That and the blood in the bedroom.

You got me going again, AD.
So.
He has a home security system?
Well, considering how afraid he reported he is, I spose that would be a good thing!

Did he forget to set it that fatal night?
If he had set it, WHEN DID HE TURN IT OFF SO THE SECURITY GUARD ENTERING THE PROPERTY WOULD NOT BE A TRIGGER ????
None of the neighbors reported hearing an alarm system going off...

Freckles wrote:Interesting info re the bedroom door being damaged. I hope he is questioned re this IF he takes the stand. That and the blood in the bedroom.

You got me going again, AD.
So.
He has a home security system?
Well, considering how afraid he reported he is, I spose that would be a good thing!

Did he forget to set it that fatal night?
If he had set it, WHEN DID HE TURN IT OFF SO THE SECURITY GUARD ENTERING THE PROPERTY WOULD NOT BE A TRIGGER ????
None of the neighbors reported hearing an alarm system going off...

good questions Freckles!

Thanks to AD and Freckles for keeping us up to date on this trial...I am trying to catch what I can too, JAO!!
 
Since the prosecution rested their case WITHOUT addressing the blood spatter on the headboard, duvet and damage to bedroom door, I wonder WHY?  What would be the reason not to bring this potentially damaging evidence in at trial....has anyone heard commentary on WHY they ignored this during the case in chief??

Oscar 'has a case to answer'

Graeme Hosken | 27 March, 2014 00:07

The state has proved enough for Oscar Pistorius to have to explain his actions on the night he killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, legal experts say.

~Snipped~

Professor James Grant, of the Wits School of Law, said: "The evidence I think has been enough to put Pistorius in a position where he needs to do some explaining because of the cumulative effect of the evidence led.

"The court will consider what are the chances of the neighbours [who testified] all being wrong."

Llewelyn Curlewis, president of the Law Society of the Northern Provinces, said that if the defence chose not to ask for an acquittal, that could imply that it agreed that there was at least a prima facie case to contest.


~Snipped~

"What is on trial is Pistorius's state of mind at the moment when he pulled the trigger."

Grant said the defence "might try the strategy of calling a psychologist to testify on the vulnerability of disabled people and, because of his vulnerability, he made the mistake he made ...".

Grant said the difference between murder and culpable homicide was that the murder charge was judged subjectively, "which is why it is all-important as to what he was thinking".

"Culpable homicide, which is a competent verdict on a charge of murder, is judged objectively.

~Snipped~

"To date, our law has never taken account of the disabilities of an accused to lower that standard. It would be unprecedented for a court to take account of any expert testimony to lower that standard."

He said that Pistorius's position could be harmed if "the courts raise the standards, in particular when we are talking about conduct that requires a special skill or knowledge, such as the handling of a firearm".

"His conduct [if the court were to consider a verdict of culpable homicide] would be compared to that of a reasonable firearms owner, someone in our society who has passed the tests and knows the law."

Read more:

http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2014/03/27/oscar-has-a-case-to-answer

RELATED VIDEO/ARTICLES:



Pistorius Trial: Witness grilled about hole in bedroom door

Published on Mar 18, 2014  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV5pY4muzKA

-----------------------------------------------------

Oscar's bedroom door under scrutiny

2014-03-18 13:54

Pretoria - A police photographer did not initially take photos of damage to Oscar Pistorius's main bedroom door as he intended to do so later, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria heard on Tuesday.

~Snipped~

Photos of the main bedroom door, displayed on screens in court, show a large crack at the bottom of the door near a locking mechanism, a hole about 4mm in diameter through the door, and marks on the edge of the door.

Another photo shows a splinter, about 5cm long according to a ruler placed on the door when the photo was taken, torn off the door.

The hole is on the outside of the bedroom door.

"Why did you not take a photo? You were right there?" Roux asked.

Van Staden replied: "I used my discretion to take the photos... it [the damage] can't be destroyed or removed."

He said he wanted to first focus on taking photos of evidence that could be moved, such as the panels of the toilet door lying on the bathroom floor.

Read more:

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Oscar_Pistorius/Oscar-bedroom-door-under-scrutiny-20140318

-----------------------------------------------------

Reeva’s friends gag on gory pics

By GRAEME HOSKEN on March 14, 2014 in News, South Africa

GRAPHIC images of blood trails, stain-smeared walls, spent bullet cartridges and a mysteriously damaged main bedroom door beamed across the world yesterday offered a glimpse into the moments leading to Reeva Steenkamp’s killing.

Images of congealed pools of blood in the bathroom, where Steenkamp was shot dead on Valentine’s Day last year, had her friends reeling, clasping hands to their mouths and gasping in shock.

~Snipped~

The state believes the killing was premeditated and followed a heated and possibly violent argument.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel introduced photographs of Pistorius’ main bedroom door damaged around its lock and with a suspected projectile hole through it, and an air rifle fitted with a silencer leaning next to it.

Nel, questioning former Boschkop police station commissioner Lieutenant-Colonel Giliam van Rensburg, the first policeman on the scene, used the officer’s evidence to question the plausibility of Pistorius’s version.

The questions, raised through crime scene photographs, include:

◾ How did a bullet cartridge end up far behind Pistorius, behind a corner in the passage leading to his bathroom, when he was shooting inside the bathroom?

◾ When and how was his main bedroom door damaged?

◾ Why did Steenkamp have her iPhone with her in the toilet?

◾ How did broken, bloodstained tiles end up behind the open toilet door?

Read more:

http://www.dispatch.co.za/news/reevas-friends-gag-on-gory-pics/

Oscar Pistorius: the key questions he must answer from the witness box

The athlete's performance on the stand could spell the difference between life in jail or a chance to resurrect his sporting career

David Smith in Pretoria
theguardian.com, Thursday 27 March 2014 15.04 EDT

~Snipped~

Irrespective of who was in the toilet, why did Pistorius shoot without warning?

This is the central question of intent. Firearms trainer and salesman Sean Rens testified that Pistorius passed a competency test, showing that he was fully aware of the lawful and unlawful use of potentially lethal force against intruders. Pistorius may struggle to persuade the judge that he had good reason to believe his life was in danger when he shot four times through a locked door in the early hours of Valentine's day last year.

There is a wider context. Violent crime, and the fear of it, is unusually high in South Africa. Pistorius claimed he had received death threats and been a victim of violence and of burglaries before, that was why he kept a 9mm pistol under his bed. His disability could come into play. The defence may seek to highlight that Pistorius felt extremely vulnerable when he heard a noise because he was on his stumps.

A local police officer, however, testified that crime was rare on Pistorius's estate and that the Paralympian had never reported an incident. Margie Orford, a South African crime writer, said: "For me the key thing that happened last week was when the gun salesman said he knew you can't shoot at someone unless you know he's coming at you. This is the crux of the prosecution's case. Whoever was behind that door, he knew he was committing murder. All the rest is sound and fury signifying nothing."

Read more:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/27/oscar-pistorius-key-questions-witness-box?CMP=twt_fd

Oscar on the stand: 10 crucial questions

THURSDAY, 27 MARCH 21:35 CAT

Barry Bateman | about 16 hours ago

http://ewn.co.za/2014/03/27/What-will-Gerrie-Nel-ask-Oscar-Pistorius

Oscar likely to be first to testify

2014-03-27 22:06

Devereaux Morkel

Johannesburg –  Legal experts agreed that murder accused Oscar Pistorius was "very likely" to take the stand on Friday in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to shed light on the night he fatally shot Reeva Steenkamp.

Read more:

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Oscar_Pistorius/Pistorius-very-very-likely-to-testify-20140327

AD post 8:31 tonite.

" ... Prosecutor Gerrie Nel introduced photographs of Pistorius’ main bedroom door damaged around its lock and with a suspected projectile hole through it, and an air rifle fitted with a silencer leaning next to it...."

Wow. I missed this!

What to expect when OP takes the stand:
vid 2:15
http://www.news24.com/Multimedia/Video/SouthAfrica/What-to-expect-when-Barry-Roux-begins-his-defense-case-20140326

Judge delays Oscar Pistorius trial (Video)

Updated: March 28, 2014, 9:25 AM ET

Associated Press

PRETORIA, South Africa -- The murder trial of Oscar Pistorius has been delayed until April 7 because one of the legal experts who will assist the judge in reaching a verdict is sick, abruptly ending expectations Friday that the double-amputee athlete was about to testify on his fatal shooting of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Judge Thokozile Masipa announced the delay in court on the day Pistorius' defense lawyers were due to begin presenting their case after four weeks of prosecution-led testimony and a two-day adjournment.

"One of my assessors is not well, so this court is not properly constituted," Masipa said. "I suggest that we postpone this matter until the seventh of April."

Read more:

http://espn.go.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/10687333/oscar-pistorius-trial-delayed-april-7-due-judge-assistant-illness

Oscar Pistorius murder trial adjourned until April 7 because one of the judge's two assessors is ill in hospital

. Double-amputee is facing 25 years to life in prison if convicted of premeditated murder
. Pistorius shot lover Reeva Steenkamp through closed door of toilet cubicle
. He said he mistook her for an intruder but prosecutors allege he killed her after an argument
. Hearing adjourned until April 7 as judge said court would not be properly constituted
. Pistorius, the only eyewitness in the case, was expected to start his evidence today

By JAMES RUSH

PUBLISHED: 02:36 EST, 28 March 2014  | UPDATED: 08:27 EST, 28 March 2014

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2591385/Oscar-Pistorius-expected-evidence-Reeva-Steenkamp-murder-trial-Pretoria-defence-case-opens.html#ixzz2xGfBrQ7M

Oscar Pistorius Gets More Time to Prep Defense


ABC US News | ABC Business News

Mar 28, 2014 8:20am

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2014/03/oscar-pistorius-gets-more-time-to-prep-defense/

"The court then postponed the case until April 7 — as the assessor Janette Henzen-Du Toit is unlikely to be back at her post next week.

The court would originally have been in recess from April 4 to 11, but both the prosecution and defense have confirmed they will be available to continue and make up some of the lost time.

Pistorius was anticipated to take the stand in his own defence Friday, but now has another 10 days before he will get the opportunity.

~Snipped~

Henzen-Du Toit is one of two legal assessors appointed by Judge Masipa to help her with the case. In South African law, judges are allowed to appoint such assessors — usually experts in one or other field that is linked with the case — to help her formulate her decision.

The court was packed to the brim as members of Reeva Steenkamp's family and friends, as well as Pistorius' family and friends, filled the benches alongside the ANC Women's League. A host of journalists in the courtroom and many members of the public were forced to head for the overflow courtroom, set up because of the immense interest in the case."

Read more:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/pistorius-10-day-break-stand-defense-article-1.1737635

reaz ‏@Reazmk  · 3h  
@barrybateman Sc 147- Act 51/77- if assessor dies/unable to act Judge my direct that Trial proceed with remaining assessor or start de novo.

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarPistorius Henzen-Du Toit has acted as an assessor in numerous cases since 2005. She is an experienced legal professional. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarPistorius Masipa’s assessor who has fallen ill, Janette Henzen-Du Toit, was admitted as an advocate in 1998. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarPistorius at one stage during the Henning murder trial the assessor was ill, and the matter was postponed. It’s not unusual.

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarPistorius Judge Johan Kruger appointed one assessor in the trial of Andre Gouws and Ambrose Monye (Chanelle Henning murder). BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarPistorius Sadleir: in complicated matters and high-profile matters it is common to see assessors being appointed. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarPistorius Sadleir: they assist in deciding the factual determinations - the idea is that three heads are better than one. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarPistorius Sadleir: an assessor is appointed by the judge to help her on matters of fact, not on issues of legal requirements. BB

More ...

https://twitter.com/barrybateman

Alex Crawford ‏@AlexCrawfordSky 15h

#OscarPistorius The athlete will not be the first witness for the defence after agreement btwn both sides. 1st up is defence pathologist

https://twitter.com/AlexCrawfordSky

Ok I just got here! I don't honestly know which way is up.....................

I am being asked to have an opion either this way yes guilty or no that way ,.... not guilty.

what should I say here in this case?

Thank you to all who have kept this thread up-to-date.  Your work is very much appreciated!

eva wrote:Ok I just got here!  I don't honestly know which way is up.....................

I am being asked to have an opion either this way yes guilty or no that way ,.... not guilty.

what should I say here in this case?

Not trying to sway you or anything....but the bum is guilty as sin. He knew good and well that she was in the bathroom when he fired into it. They were having an argument.

No one in their right mind would shoot thru a bathroom door without checking first to see if someone in the house was the one in the bathroom. It's just ludicrous. He has always had a temper and has pulled his gun on several people in the past.

Oscar Pistorius cries for himself, not Reeva - criminologist

News24

Published on Mar 28, 2014
Criminologist Liza Grobler says Oscar Pistorius's tears are primarily for the life he's lost and not for Reeva Steenkamp. Watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp6cAD6xW8Y#t=56




Oscar Pistorius's and Reeva Steenkamp's messages show cycle of abuse

News24

Published on Mar 28, 2014
Oscar Pistorius's and Reeva Steenkamp's WhatsApp messages show cycle of abuse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNDXwZC0Gjc

The WhatsApp messages between Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp show a cycle of abuse, says a criminologist.

Comments:

~Snipped~

Petra Neumann - March 28, 2014 at 12:02
He did not protect her, he killed her. He did not even bother to make sure she was still there when he picked up the gun from under the bed. Actually, everybody who kills an innocent person makes a mistake - a very serious one - and will have to be held accountable. With the help of his defence team he'll for sure try to weasel out.
There is a week to get very busy to refabricate the "intruder" story, it has too many holes right now. If it gets shot down, premeditated murder is all what is left.

More ...

http://www.news24.com/Multimedia/Video/SouthAfrica/Oscar-Reeva-messages-show-abuse-cycle-20140328

The testimony of Oscar Pistorius's neighbours is vital to the State's case against him - criminal law expert. Watch.

More ...

http://www.news24.com/Multimedia/Video/SouthAfrica/Neighbours-testimony-is-vital-for-state-20140326

No Mr Nice Guy for Oscar

Debora Patta and Charl du Plessis
30 March 2014 14:00

Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has fought many battles for equal treatment, but there will be no need for him to do so when he faces state prosecutor Gerrie Nel in a week’s time.

City Press understands Nel plans to show Pistorius no mercy under cross-examination.

~Snipped~

Pistorius spent much of last week preparing to take the stand on Friday, although he is not the defence’s first witness.

An anticipated legal squabble over whether Pistorius will testify first during the defence’s case has not materialised.

While there is no codified law compelling an accused to testify first, it could lead to an adverse inference being drawn about the ­accused’s testimony if he or she listened to the testimony of other defence witnesses first.

Prosecutors Andrea Johnson and Nel have agreed that ­Professor Jan Botha, who used to head the state’s forensic laboratory in Bloemfontein, will testify ­before Pistorius because of unspecified personal reasons.

It’s understood that Botha has been brought in to counter some of the tougher aspects of the prosecution’s case,­ despite the fact that he was not the pathologist who attended ­Reeva Steenkamp’s autopsy.

Read more:

http://www.citypress.co.za/news/mr-nice-guy-oscar/

Pistorius is just latest in long line of top sportsmen tried for murder or attempted murder

Sunday, 30 March 2014
By Mike Rowbottom

http://www.insidethegames.biz/bigread/1019184-oscar-pistorius-is-latest-in-a-long-line-of-top-sportsmen-charged-with-murder

Gizmo711 wrote:

eva wrote:Ok I just got here!  I don't honestly know which way is up.....................

I am being asked to have an opion either this way yes guilty or no that way ,.... not guilty.

what should I say here in this case?

Not trying to sway you or anything....but the bum is guilty as sin.  He knew good and well that she was in the bathroom when he fired into it. They were having an argument.

No one in their right mind would shoot thru a bathroom door without checking first to see if someone in the house was the one in the bathroom.  It's just ludicrous.  He has always had a temper and has pulled his gun on several people in the past.

I guess for me the biggest part of the story is and has been … even if he was paranoid about someone breaking in and doing him harm because he was vulnerable because of his physical limitations (not that I believe he is that limited based on what he had accomplished) is the open doors to the outside of his bedroom and the fact if it really was an intruder.. how many intruders who are intent on doing harm stop for a bathroom break? The facts that they were arguing prior is just the icing for me… JMO

RELATED ARTICLE:

Oscar Pistorius 'reaches out-of-court settlement' with woman who accused him of assault after he 'slammed and broke a door at a party'

. Cassidy Taylor-Memmory, 24, claims Pistorius injured her at party in 2009
. She says a door fell on her leg when he punched it after fight with girlfriend
. The parties have settled out of court after four-year legal battle
. Oscar Pistorius will stand trial for murder of Reeva Steenkamp on March 3

By SARA MALM
PUBLISHED: 06:09 EST, 12 February 2014  | UPDATED: 08:21 EST, 12 February 2014



Settling: Cassidy Taylor-Memmory accused Oscar Pistorius of assaulting her at a party at his house in 2009

Oscar Pistorius has reached an out-of-court settlement over an alleged assault case in which he was accused of causing an injury to a guest at a party at his house.

Cassidy Taylor-Memmory, 24, claims 27-year-old Pistorius punched a door so hard it fell on her leg following an argument with his then-girlfriend in 2009.

After a four-year-long legal battle, Pistorius's attorney has confirmed that the two parties have struck a deal over legal fees, however, according to Ms Taylor-Memmory, Pistorius has not apologised for the incident.

Pistorius has also dropped the 2.2million Rand (£122,093) counter claim, in which he accused blogger Taylor-Memmory of making up the assault.

Attorney Brian Webber told Eyewitness News that the out-of-court settlement was reached so Pistorius entire legal team can focus on Pistorius’s upcoming trial for the alleged murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Read more:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2557535/Oscar-Pistorius-reaches-court-settlement-woman-accused-assault-slammed-broke-door-party.html#ixzz2xZq2HWeq

A detailed analysis of blood spatter on the cricket bat that Oscar Pistorius said he used to smash open the door to the bathroom where Reeva Steenkamp died.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/pictures-show-bloody-scene-oscar-pistorius-fatally-shot-girlfriend-article-1.1740454

Just,
I have a problem with the blood spatter in the bedroom above the head board, the air rifle w/ silencer outside his "beat up" bedroom door...and where is his bloody shirt OR why is there a lack of blood on his upper torso?

According to coroner, Reeva's bladder was empty indicating she had just used the toilet when she was shot. Surely OP would have heard the FLUSH of the toilet even if he was not aware of her absence from the bed.

IMO, he is a fabricator of untruths. And a bad one at that. His past history with the lies, his fascination with guns, his need for a dangerous and reckless life style.... The fact is his brother was involved in a trial fro vehicular homicide about the time Reeva died. Was OP trying to one=up his brother for attention? Dunno. But he is dangerous, IMO, as bad as George Z. Both are terrible connivers.

Pistorius lawyer: Pathologist to open defense case

Published: 59 minutes ago

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) - Oscar Pistorius' lawyer says a pathologist will likely testify first when the double-amputee athlete's defense team starts calling witnesses at his murder trial next week.

Lawyer Brian Webber said in an email to The Associated Press that the defense plans to start by calling Prof. Jan Botha when the trial resumes Monday after a week's adjournment.

Pistorius was expected to open defense testimony but Botha will likely be called first because Webber said the pathologist has some "personal difficulties."

Read more:

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_306483/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=rVJsGDYm

Reeva: The Model You Thought You Knew

  eNCAnews

Published on Feb 13, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MedbKo8mgs

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter  · 2h  
#OscarPistorius Murder accused Oscar Pistorius has lunch with his legal team in Sandton. His trial resumes Monday. VM pic.twitter.com/rMpCOqic86



EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter · 48m
#OscarPistorius seen wearing a cream formal jacket while having lunch in Sandton earlier. JM pic.twitter.com/Qf9Y0in2wn

https://twitter.com/ewnreporter

Oscar Pistorius Not Sprinting to Testify

PRETORIA, South Africa April 2, 2014
By LIEZL THOM and MATT GUTMAN


ABC US News | ABC Business News

Read more:

http://abcnews.go.com/International/oscar-pistorius-sprinting-testify/story?id=23156097

CuriousPortlander wrote:Thank you to all who have kept this thread up-to-date.  Your work is very much appreciated!

Hi CP!

It is great to "see" you here! You have been missed!

 

Oscar Pistorius, Piers Morgan Gun Rant + Michelle Byrom

Published on Apr 1, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv_aHDLccCI&index=2&list=PLjk3H0GXhhGfIvJXM3emqDXkZ02SXgfgT

Alessandra_Deux wrote:

CuriousPortlander wrote:Thank you to all who have kept this thread up-to-date.  Your work is very much appreciated!

Hi CP!

It is great to "see" you here! You have been missed!

 

Thanks, AD!  Thank you so much for all your posts.  I haven't watched this trial, but I read everything you posted!

 

Statement Analysis

Monday, March 31, 2014
   
Oscar Pistorius: Complete Statement Analysis

How about one statement with three analysts?

The case of Oscar Pistorius is in the news.  Statement Analysis of the case has been done by Kaaryn Gough as well as Mark McClish.  In reviewing both work, I find excellence in their work, as well as some great teaching samples.  

Read more:

http://statement-analysis.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/oscar-pistorius-complete-statement.html?m=1

Alessandra_Deux wrote:Statement Analysis

Monday, March 31, 2014
   
Oscar Pistorius: Complete Statement Analysis

How about one statement with three analysts?

The case of Oscar Pistorius is in the news.  Statement Analysis of the case has been done by Kaaryn Gough as well as Mark McClish.  In reviewing both work, I find excellence in their work, as well as some great teaching samples.  

Read more:

http://statement-analysis.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/oscar-pistorius-complete-statement.html?m=1

  
Excellent read! I enjoyed the comments as well.
Brings forth a new question:
Were there dogs in the home? No mention of barking dogs from the home or the neighborhood...

Freckles wrote:

Alessandra_Deux wrote:Statement Analysis

Monday, March 31, 2014
   
Oscar Pistorius: Complete Statement Analysis

How about one statement with three analysts?

The case of Oscar Pistorius is in the news.  Statement Analysis of the case has been done by Kaaryn Gough as well as Mark McClish.  In reviewing both work, I find excellence in their work, as well as some great teaching samples.  

Read more:

http://statement-analysis.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/oscar-pistorius-complete-statement.html?m=1

  
Excellent read! I enjoyed the comments as well.
Brings forth a new question:
Were there dogs in the home? No mention of barking dogs from the home or the neighborhood...

Hi Freckles,

Pistorius had/has two dogs. One of the investigators mentioned the dogs during his testimony when he said that he had sealed and locked Pistorius' house and had also made sure that the dogs were taken care of; had enough food and water.  The wife of Dr. Stipp (one of the first witnesses to arrive at Pistorius house after he fatally shot Reeva), was questioned about barking dogs when she testified.

Oscar trial: Barking dogs, memory recall tested

Mar 24, 2014 | SAPA

Barking dogs became the subject of an objection in Oscar Pistorius's murder trial on Monday as a witness was tested on her memory of events on the morning Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead.

Annette Stipp was being cross-examined by the accused's lawyer Kenny Oldwage in the High Court in Pretoria.

~Snipped~

Stipp testified earlier that she might have turned off the barking as white noise but she did hear a woman screaming, a man screaming and six shots fired from the direction of Pistorius's home.

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2014/03/24/oscar-trial-barking-dogs-memory-recall-tested

-----------------------------------------------------



It's a dog's life: Pistorius at his house in Pretoria with his dogs Enzo (right) and Silo (left)

SOURCE:

EXCLUSIVE: Walking on the wild side with blade runner Pistorius

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-2117316/Oscar-Pistorius-exclusive-walking-wild-side.html#ixzz2y8VhqCIJ

Oscar Pistorius trial set to resume with pathologist first witness for defence

Defence lawyer says pathologist has personal reasons for having to giving evidence first, delaying defendant's testimony

David Smith in Johannesburg
The Guardian, Sunday 6 April 2014 12.06 EDT

Athlete Oscar Pistorius will be back in the glare of the world's media when his murder trial resumes on Monday but, in an unorthodox legal move, he will not be the first witness for his own defence.

~Snipped~

Botha, the chief pathologist in Free State province, did not take part in the postmortem on 29-year-old Steenkamp but is likely to raise questions over the evidence of the state pathologist Prof Gert Saayman. This may include challenging the suggestion that Steenkamp probably last ate at about 1am on the night she died, which appears at odds with Pistorius's claim that they retired to his bedroom at 10pm.

The defence witness list also includes a neighbour who reportedly lives significantly closer to the athlete than those on the prosecution side who testified that they heard a woman's terrified screams. The neighbour is likely to support defence counsel Barry Roux's claim that the screams came from Pistorius himself‚ thus neutralising a central tenet of the prosecution case. Roux is expected to present the results of his own sound tests on the estate.

Pistorius has hired forensic experts including a US animation firm that will depict the scene of the killing using computer-generated 3D images. The defence is also likely to pick apart the investigation by the police detective Hilton Botha.

Read more:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/06/oscar-pistorius-trial-resumes-pathologist?CMP=twt_gu

Phil ‏@PhiIIip_Thomas  · Apr 5  
#OscarPistorius Stopped Shooting...WHEN
#ReevaSteenkamp  Stopped Screaming...
#JusticeForReeva #OscarTrial pic.twitter.com/IsRBxgyzh6

Pistorius to finally answer questions on shooting

By GERALD IMRAY
Associated Press

Apr 6, 12:52 PM EDT

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) -- More than a year after he killed his girlfriend, Oscar Pistorius is expected to finally answer questions about why he shot Reeva Steenkamp through a toilet door when his murder trial resumes this week and his defense lawyers begin presenting the evidence they hope will save the Olympic athlete from going to prison for 25 years to life.

~Snipped~

South Africa has no trial by jury, meaning Judge Thokozile Masipa will pronounce Pistorius guilty or not guilty of murder, and Pistorius has the chance to convince her that he did not intentionally kill the 29-year-old model.

But Pistorius' testimony also gives prosecutors the chance to cross-examine the celebrated double-amputee runner and scrutinize every aspect of his story.

~Snipped~

During his own testimony, he will have to describe in depth his fatal shooting of Steenkamp.

"He can't ignore it," Marius du Toit, a criminal defense lawyer and former state prosecutor in South Africa who is observing the trial, said of Pistorius testifying. "He has to get into the box and confirm his version and be open to cross-examination. And this matter is going to stand or fall with that."

Defendants in South Africa have the right to remain silent but because he has admitted killing Steenkamp, Pistorius is under pressure to tell the court why he decided to shoot through the door with his 9 mm pistol without knowing - in his version - who was on the other side.

Read more:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AF_PISTORIUS_TRIAL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT