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

Unbelievable! The psychiatrist interviewed Pistorius on the 2nd of May, and the 7 of May, after other witnesses have testified for the defense and have been cross- examined by the prosecution. During cross-examination this defense witness admitted that she has read media reports about the trial.

This, in my opinion, is an "insanity defense by ambush". I don't blame the prosecution for wanting to have a mental evaluation of Pistorious.

Of course Roux is denying that this is some kind of insanity defense "in disguise", but the witness said that Pistorius suffers from an anxiety disorder, and that this disorder could have affected the way in which he reacted to a (supposedly) perceived threat on the night he killed Reeva.

(See previous page for reports on today's court proceedings)

Third source:
Anxiety disorder stemming from the death of his mother from cancer when he was 15; family divorce years earlier; amputation of his lower legs when he was an infant; his mother "sleeping with a gun under her pillow"... and anything else one may toss into this hopper !!!

(IMO, he has had years to complain, act out, and deal with these so called problems and has not. Re the amputation: he was an infant and treated his mobility as normal. His mother has been quoted as stating there were times OP would take off his legs and run/play on his stumps as if it was no big deal. All of us are "limited" in ways and all of us are still expected to abide by the law... and not kill people. Seek help for "anxiety" problems. I doubt he was medicated or seeing psychiatric help for the disabilities the atty has listed. JMO)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2626222/Oscar-Pistorius-traumatised-having-legs-amputated-suffered-anxiety-disorder-shooting-Reeva-Steenkamp-dead-psychologist-tells-court.html


Chief prosecutor asks court to place Oscar Pistorius under psychiatric observation after expert says he had 'anxiety disorder' before shooting Reeva Steenkamp dead

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Roux argues that the application should not even be considered. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Roux objecting, saying the application should not be heard until a re-examination of the witness. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial the judge excuses Vorster provisionally. She might be called back depending on her ruling on the referral. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Nel asks for the adjournment so he can bring his referral application. Roux objects. He wants re-examination. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Nel: he wanted to shoot an intruder?
Vorster: that’s he told me. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Nel: among the symptoms of the anxiety disorder are sweating and nausea. So when he gets sick its normal symptoms of GAD? BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Vorster on fight or flight - he couldn’t run away because he’s not mobile on his stumps. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial that last one was significant for Nel - dolus eventualis. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Vorster: agrees with Nel that by arming himself and approaching the danger he must have foresaw the possibility to shoot. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Vorster: can’t recall him not saying those words, but she believes he understands why he is remorseful. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Vorster: he feels remorse from having caused the death of Steenkamp.
Nel: but did he say “I’m sorry for killing Reeva?” BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Vorster: confirms that it is normal you’d expect deep remorse from someone who has done something wrong. BB

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman  · 3h  
#OscarTrial Vorster: I’m sure it wasn’t Mr Roux’s intention to have his client referred, but it’s inevitable. BB

More ...

https://twitter.com/barrybateman

Pierre de Vos @pierredevos     ·   2h    
#OscarPistorius lawyers (just like Cyril) seem like that kid who did his homework on the bus or in the fifteen minutes before school starts.

Pierre de Vos @pierredevos     ·   1h    
S v Sindane (SCA): The court is obliged to order psychiatric inquiry "if it is alleged" that accused might not be criminally responsible.

Pierre de Vos @pierredevos     ·   1h    
"but these psychological factors may be taken into account and may then warrant the imposition of a less severe punishment.'

More ...

https://twitter.com/pierredevos

Vid share above, part 2.
This is exciting argument.
Please pay attention to the arguments starting @ 17:00.
Judge's comments @ 18:00.

Matt Gutman ‏@mattgutmanABC  · 4h  
Prosecution in #OscarPistorius trial asking Court to send Pistorius for psychological evaluation for 30 days. Huge moment in trial. @ABC

Matt Gutman ‏@mattgutmanABC  · 4h  
Prosecutor Nel repeatedly walking defense's psychiatrist into his traps: gets her to admit #OscarPistorius is "dangerous man." @GMA

Matt Gutman @mattgutmanABC     ·   5h    
This could mean 30 day adjournment! @liezlthom #Nel might apply for OP to be sent for psychological evaluation. More on @GMA

Matt Gutman @mattgutmanABC     ·   7h    
Psychiatrist on the stand now - going to provide court insight into #Pistorius frame of mind. Calls his amputation: "traumatic assault."

More ...

https://twitter.com/mattgutmanABC

Freckles wrote:Vid share above, part 2.
This is exciting argument.
Please pay attention to the arguments starting @ 17:00.
Judge's comments @ 18:00.

This is what Nel is referring to:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

http://allpsych.com/disorders/anxiety/generalizedanxiety.html

Source:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,  Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)

http://allpsych.com/disorders/dsm.html

IMO, defence opened the door on the mental stability of the defendant.
I am guessing they only wanted to brief touch on the subject BUT readdress the situation in closing argument when prosecution could not cross exam the statements by defence counsel. However.... prosecutor Nel grabbed that bull by the horns and has wrestled it out of control of the defense. Wow. Powerful lawyering by Nel. This is exciting to watch him as he addresses the witness/court.

Many thanks to AD for all the sharing she has done.

Found this gem:
" ... Matt Gutman @mattgutmanABC · Apr 9

Oscar Pistorius testifies there was a five minute gap between the time he shot Reeva Steenkamp and when he broke down the door...."

https://twitter.com/mattgutmanABC

OSCAR PISTORIUS TRIAL

Live Blog - Day 30

FULL DAY RECAP

Day 30 has been a particularly interesting and significant one in the Oscar Pistorius trial. The remainder of defence ballistics expert Thomas ‘Wollie’ Wolmarans’s time on the stand was fairly uneventful, but the testimony of psychiatrist Dr Merryl Vorster led Gerrie Nel to say he will apply for Pistorius to be sent for mental observation. This could change the entire course of the trial.

Day 30 has been a particularly interesting and significant one in the Oscar Pistorius trial. The remainder of defence ballistics expert Thomas ‘Wollie’ Wolmarans’s time on the stand was fairly uneventful, but the testimony of psychiatrist Dr Merryl Vorster led Gerrie Nel to say he will apply for Pistorius to be sent for mental observation. This could change the entire course of the trial.

There’s really not too much to recap from the remainder of Wolmarans’s time on the stand, with Nel essentially covering many of the same issues in cross-examination as he did on Friday. Barry Roux also didn’t spend very long on re-examination with his witness.

Today’s proceedings became far more significant when Vorster took the stand.

In evidence-in-chief, the forensic psychiatrist told the court she conducted interviews with Pistorius as well as his friends, family and co-workers such as his coach earlier this month. From all of this, she was able to diagnose him with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD),based on his current state of mind along with his upbringing, as well as finding that he does indeed “feel guilty that he has caused Ms Steenkamp’s death.”

Almost as soon as cross-examination began, Nel made a move that would have surprised almost anyone following this trial. The prosecutor told the court if Vorster’s evidence is to be accepted, then it would force him to make an application that Pistorius be referred for 30 days of mental observation.

Nel’s argument is that Vorster’s evidence suggests Pistorius is suffering from a full-blown mental illness which, according to Section 78 of the Criminal Procedures Act, means he should be placed under observation before the trial can continue.

However, the defence vehemently disagreed with this interpretation and, put simply, Barry Roux argued that the psychiatrist’s evidence was only meant to aid the court in coming to its decision about why Pistorius fired the gun and not as an ‘insanity defence’.

Roux also argued that he should be allowed to re-examine Vorster before the application is made, meaning Nel would have to finish cross-examination first. However, Nel says he would only have more questions for the witness should the court decline his application. After heated debate on this issue, court adjourned early to allow Nel more time to consider his course of action.

Court will resume at 9.30 tomorrow morning, with plenty fascinating legal work likely to be on display.

Read more:

http://ewn.co.za/Features/oscarpistorius/live-blog

andrew harding ‏@BBCAndrewH  · 4h  
#OscarPistorius told me state's  demand to refer him for psychiatric evaluation was "a joke" and that today's evidence went "well" for him.

More ...

https://twitter.com/BBCAndrewH

I enjoy reading the comments.
According to this, and I must concur, OP's original defense of self defense is now altered to the GAD defense. Wow. Won't work this late in trial.

Here is an interesting comment from below the vid:

" ... Mostafa MAALMI
5 hours ago

He thought his girlfiend was in the bedroom and that he killed an intruder, yet when he came back from the bathroom after killing the alleged intruder, he didn't even call his girl friend: Reeva where are you, he didn't turn on the lights to see where she was (he just passed his hands on the bed!), he didn't go to the balcony to see if she was hiding there, he didn't go to the bedroom door to see if she had left the bedroom to hide somewhere after she heard the shots, he didn't look for her down stairs, he didn't yell at her, where are you?. He went straight to break the door with a cricket bat, because he knew 100 % that the poor girl was there and nowhere else. ..."

and, according to his own testimony, OP waited FIVE minutes before breaking down the bathroom door. FIVE minutes in which he could have called for help within the house or by the phone, he could have set off the alarms, etc.. This goes to show OP was NOT afraid of intruders or additional intrusion.

"Cross-examining Vorster at the start of the eighth week of the trial, prosecutor Nel asked if she was saying Pistorius had a mental illness and should undergo a 30-day period of observation, and if he was changing his defence to one of “diminished responsibility.”

Nel also asked the psychiatrist if someone who was suffering from an anxiety disorder of the kind that she had diagnosed in Pistorius, and also had access to guns, would be a danger to society. Vorster said the person would, indeed, be a danger."

http://www.thejournal.ie/pistorius-trial-1461398-May2014/?utm_source=twitter_self

What happened behind Oscar’s bathroom door?

Published by CityPress

http://www.scribd.com/doc/223278130/What-happened-behind-Oscar-s-bathroom-door

Nastasya Tay @NastasyaTay     ·   16h    
In the most critical admission so far, Vorster says #OscarPistorius showed “dolus eventualis”. In SA law, it's a form of intent for murder.


Nastasya Tay @NastasyaTay     ·   16h    
There goes culpable homicide. Psychiatrist agrees w Nel #OscarPistorius’ actions show “dolus eventualis”: he could foresee that he may kill.

More ...

https://twitter.com/NastasyaTay

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

Dolus Eventualis Legal Definition:

Awareness of the likely outcome of an action.

"Intent can occur in three forms: dolus directus, dolus indirectus and dolus eventualis.

"Intent in the form of dolus eventualis or legal intention, which is present when the perpetrator objectively foresees the possibility of his act causing death and persists regardless of the consequences, suffices to find someone guilty of murder.

"Dolus directus, on the other hand, known as intention in its ordinary grammatical sense, is present when the accused’s aim and object is to bring about the unlawful consequence, even should the chance of its resulting be small."

The South African Court of Appeal held that mens rea in the form of dolus eventualis is an elastic concept. It can range from bordering on negligence (culpa) on the one hand to dolus directus on the other. However, the test always remains whether the accused person subjectively foresaw the possibility of the death of the deceased and associated himself therewith.1

Dolus eventualis is sometimes said to be the criminal law equivalent to the tort concept of gross negligence.

http://www.duhaime.org/LegalDictionary/D/DolusEventualis.aspx

Gerald Imray ‏@GeraldImrayAP  · 3h  
#OscarPistorius Judge ruling on mental evaluation win-win for pros? If finds for def., OP not evaluated, reinforces criminally responsible?

Gerald Imray ‏@GeraldImrayAP  · 3h  
#OscarPistorius Judge says she will consider overnight pros. application for OP to be sent for mental evaluation & rule Wednesday 9.30 a.m.

Gerald Imray ‏@GeraldImrayAP · 4h
#OscarPistorius Some people might view OP lawyer Roux's statement that "we should take emotions out of it" a little ironic #OscarTrial

More ...

https://twitter.com/GeraldImrayAP

Pierre de Vos ‏@pierredevos · 3h
Understatement of the year: #OscarPistorius Nel: "We will argue that the accused was not the most impressive witness"

Nastasya Tay ‏@NastasyaTay  · 3h  
Does Nel care if his app is successful? Strategy: Make it hard for #OscarPistorius to use GAD as a mitigating factor or basis for appeal?

Nastasya Tay ‏@NastasyaTay  · 4h    
Nel says they’ve never argued that #OscarPistorius has a mental illness, nor will they. But now they need clarification.

Nastasya Tay @NastasyaTay  · 4h    
Sarcastic sympathy? Nel: I would be as emotional if I called a witness who left open the door for the referral of my client. #OscarPistorius


Nastasya Tay @NastasyaTay  · 4h    
“The burden of proof [on #OscarPistorius’ mental state] is on the party that raises the issue,” says Roux, “We do not raise it.”

More ...

https://twitter.com/NastasyaTay

Oscar Pistorius Trial: Tuesday 13 May 2014, Session 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kvIPW305_o




Oscar Pistorius Trial: Tuesday 13 May 2014, Session 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHScuFgtO10

Oscar Pistorius trial continues, Chriselda Lewis reports

Published on May 13, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mqk5u9CaqE

Expert supports call for Pistorius mental evaluation

Published on May 13, 2014  
The State has bought an application in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to have Oscar Pistorius admitted for mental observation. This follows a diagnosis by forensic psychiatrist, Merryll Vorster, that he suffers from a general anxiety disorder commonly known as GAD.
Pistorius's state of mind on the day that he shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp continues to take centre stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuFfuL5JUhA

Oscar Pistorius Defense Is Moving Target, Prosecutor Complains

PRETORIA, South Africa May 13, 2014

By LIEZL THOM via GOOD MORNING AMERICA


ABC US News | ABC Entertainment News

The prosecutor in the Oscar Pistorius trial today asked that the Blade Runner be hospitalized for a 30 day psychiatric evaluation and complained to the judge that Pistorius' lawyers keep changing his defense.

The request came a day after a psychiatrist testifying for the defense told the court that Pistorius suffered from generalized anxiety disorder, a condition that would make him more willing to fight than to flee when faced with what he considered a threat.

~Snipped~

"His initial defense was putative self-defense. Then I thought his defense was adapted to automatic firing. Now psychiatrist says he suffers from a mental disorder," Nel said. "We don't know which of the three versions" is Pistorius' defense, he said.

Read more:

http://abcnews.go.com/International/oscar-pistorius-defense-moving-target-prosecutor-complains/story?id=23694567&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

(Watch the video)

I lost an extensive post! AGGGGG!

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 5m

#OscarTrial Oscar’s personal psychologist now goes over to Roux. BB
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Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 5m

#OscarTrial Oscar remains seated on the dock, his head down (probably reading something). BB
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Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 7m

#OscarTrial Roux is now leaning on his hands on a bench chatting to Webber, who is seated. Lawyers listening intently to the advocate. BB
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Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 7m

#OscarTrial all the parties have returned to their seats. Arnold whispered to relatives as he walked down the row of seats. BB
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Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 9m

#OscarTrial Arnold has now walked over to join the conversation. There is a laugh from Roux and Oscar. All okay? BB
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Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 11m

#OscarTrial Oscar has called Roux over. They’re chatting again. BB
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Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 13m

#OscarTrial Arnold suits down and releases a long sigh. He doesn’t confer with other relatives beside him. We wait for the judge. BB

https://twitter.com/barrybateman

http://www.enca.com/oscartrial/

Waiting for the judge.
She will be making a ruling on whether OP must submit to lengthy psych exam which could cause as much as a thirty day delay in trial.
It would, however, possibly eliminate the overturn of her ruling if/when her verdict is appealed.

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 1m
#OscarTrial Oscar stands in the dock as Masipa delivers her ruling. BB

https://twitter.com/barrybateman

andrew harding ✔ @BBCAndrewH
Follow
"Alleges or appears… that due to mental defect…" Judge quotes from criminal code. Looks like this long trial is going to be interrupted.

http://www.enca.com/oscartrial/

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 3m
#OscarTrial Masipa: the trigger for the application was the evidence of a psychiatrist called by the defence team. BB

https://twitter.com/barrybateman

http://www.enca.com/oscartrial/

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan
Masipa: Vorster mentioned that OP was "hyper vigilant"...(this could relate to his behavior on morning of shooting) @eNCAnews

Masipa: Vorster said OP physical vulnerability went hand in hand with his anxiety disorder, they fed off each other

Phakamile Hlubi @phakxx
@eNCAnews Masipa: "Vorster said his disability makes him more anxious. OP has a long history of GAD"

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan
Judge: effect of Vorster evidence is to create doubt about whether OP has another defense, related to diminished capacity


Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan
BREAKING Judge orders that #OscarPistorius be referred for psychiatric evaluation, to ensure he gets a "fair trial"

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 3m

#OscarTrial court will adjourn until Tuesday for the full order to be made which will include details of the referral. BB
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Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 4m

BREAKING: #OscarPistorius will be referred for psychiatric observation. BB
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Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 5m

#OscarTrial Masipa: I’m persuaded that there is a reasonable possibility that the accused was affected by a mental illness.

https://twitter.com/barrybateman

Freckles wrote:Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 3m

#OscarTrial court will adjourn until Tuesday for the full order to be made which will include details of the referral. BB
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Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 4m

BREAKING: #OscarPistorius will be referred for psychiatric observation. BB
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Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman 5m

#OscarTrial Masipa: I’m persuaded that there is a reasonable possibility that the accused was affected by a mental illness.

https://twitter.com/barrybateman

So will the assessment be inpatient??

Oscar Pistorius to undergo tests

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

PRETORIA, South Africa -- Oscar Pistorius was ordered by a judge on Wednesday to undergo psychiatric tests, meaning that the double-amputee athlete's murder trial will be interrupted, possibly for two months.

The decision by Judge Thokozile Masipa followed a request for a psychiatric evaluation by the chief prosecutor, Gerrie Nel. The prosecutor had said he had no option but to ask for it after an expert witness for the defense testified that Pistorius had an anxiety disorder since childhood that may have influenced his judgment when he fatally shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Masipa said the court would reconvene on Tuesday to decide on details regarding Pistorius' period of observation. The world-famous runner stood with his hands clasped in front of him in court as the judge explained her decision.

He could be acquitted if it's found that he was not criminally responsible for Steenkamp's shooting because of a mental illness. A mental disorder could also be used by his defense for a lighter sentence if he is convicted of killing Steenkamp. Legal analysts say the prosecution is in a strong position in the trial.

Pistorius will likely now be evaluated by a panel of psychiatrists for a period of 30 days at a government facility, although Masipa said it would be preferable that he be an outpatient and return home each day after tests. The Olympian is free on bail after being charged with premeditated murder for Steenkamp's shooting death last year.

Read more:

http://abc7news.com/sports/oscar-pistorius-to-undergo-tests/58569/#&cmp=twi-kgo-post-58569

Oscar Pistorius Trial: Wednesday 14 May 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBnX2YDYRL4

Oscar Pistorius to receive psychiatric evaluation

Published on May 14, 2014
A South African court on Wednesday ordered Olympic track star Oscar Pistorius to undergo evaluation for mental illness, likely further delaying a murder trial that has now stretched into its 32nd day.
Judge Thokozile Masipa ruled that such an evaluation would ensure that Pistorius, accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last year, would get a fair trial.
Masipa said the court would hand down the details of the assessment on Tuesday, adding it would be "preferable" for Pistorius to undergo the evaluation as an outpatient...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KqnXflKRXw

Karyn Maughan ‏@karynmaughan · 22m
There is no legal minimum time that #OscarPistorius panel needs to spend with him. They will decide how much time they need@eNCAnews

Karyn Maughan ‏@karynmaughan · 24m
Dr Jonathan Scholtz will be psychologist on #OscarPistorius panel. @eNCAnews

Karyn Maughan ‏@karynmaughan · 25m
Prof Herman Pretorius and Carla Kotze are the Weskoppies psychiatrists on #OscarPistorius panel. Defense psych is Leon Fine @eNCAnews

Karyn Maughan ‏@karynmaughan · 26m
Oscar Pistorius will be referred to the Weskoppies psychiatric hospital tomorrow - as an outpatient. @eNCAnews


https://twitter.com/karynmaughan

Barry Bateman ‏@barrybateman · 9h
#OscarTrial tomorrow is expected to be a short procedure, where the terms of Oscar’s psych referral will be set. BB

Less than 5 mutes.
Procedural only.
OP is remanded to out patient testing to determine if he has mental deficiency in understanding his actions (my wording) and is to meet daily until 4:30 PM each day unless he is dismissed earlier. The court will accept the evaluations of the superintendent of psychiatric medicine at the facility; copies of the report are to be submitted to the judge, the state prosecutor, OP. Court to resume on June 30, 2014.

Let's hope there isn't some "event" OP elects to participate in in some foreign country whereby he becomes a flight risk. That is my concern. Since he has not been convicted, what is to keep him from his "employment" ???

http://www.enca.com/oscartrial/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upgiKf7_0ZM#t=2997

Clipped:



Michele Brosseau

Masipa says team will assess whether Pistorius appreciated what he was doing or was able to act in accordance with understanding
India Crawford

India Crawford

At least he be proven sane - then back in court to convicted for MURDER!
Monty zoomer

Monty zoomer

I wonder how OP is coping without the protection of his guns. He mustnt be able to sleep at night.
Polly Hawke

Polly Hawke

That would be great if they could Alan...lol
Bongiwe Ramaboea

Bongiwe Ramaboea

I didnt hear EWolff in the list of experts..LOL:
Shane M

Shane M

bullshit ruling. This will create public perception in inequity in the public justice system for rich and poor. UNREAL
Delia van Rensburg

Delia van Rensburg

They are setting a president!!!!
Michele Brosseau

Michele Brosseau

Masipa: the matter is postponed until 30 June.

Interesting comments:

http://www.enca.com/oscartrial/

Debi Marion • 5 days ago
OP mentally unfit will never run again professionally, nor will anyone
ever sponsor him again, maybe someone like.."Crispy Creme Donuts," his life is over as he knew to be..he can never go backwards..no one of any importance will sponsor him again, he will always be the man that murdered "Reveea Steenkamp." Now, he must add to that his own mental state is under the microscope...his lawyer has screwed him good here because either way he turns..he looks..INSANE...or GUILTY..
poor OP..blood splatter on the bedroom wall, blood splatter on the duvet, blood splatter on the couch down stairs..and still I cannot find the yoga mat..in any pictures..3/17 @2 session also bed pillows show one slept in
bed...this really bothers me..and the when hear about the green garbage bags and the tape at bottom stairs ready to wrap Reeva up..when people first arrive, this bothers me too.. but.,mostly who shoots into a door not knowing who in on the other side and let go of 4 bullets, it could of a child, looking for food..and according to the guns laws them self.. this is against the law! It might of been your little boy or your daughter or grandchild hiding from an abuser..then what?

Nice thought, but there are pictures of it being down stairs in the living room..same room where there is blood splatter on the couch! Now, if you remember..according to OP she did her yoga exercises in the bedroom and they went to bed..guess the mat walked down stairs by it self!


Fascinated Debi Marion • a day ago
Full marks for observation!

Or perhaps she took it down while Oscar was hunting the intruder?


Fascinated Fascinated • 12 hours ago
Something a bit odd about my last post - I put it down to a touch of Oscaritis (a tendency to mention things that did not happen).

The yoga mat casts doubt on Pistorius' account and it could have been used to seriously weaken the credibility of his initial statement. Strange that Nel did not mention it, but then, he did not focus on the decisive ballistics evidence that showed wilful intent, nor did he make anything of the defence psychiatrist's firm opinion that Pistorius was wholly incapable of moving about 3 metres to take himself and Reeva to safety (not that he chose not to, but was physically incapable of doing so). She was equally certain that he was fully physically capable of moving about 50 metres as he rushed (his word) between bedroom and bathroom. In the bedroom he said he had "mobility" on his stumps, in the bathroom it becomes "limited mobility", and only on the witness stand does he become so delicately balanced that the dogs could knock him over. His balance was obviously good when he fired the shots. Neither side presented anything from the last 26 years to support or contradict that evidence. The defence didn't produce even one instance of GAD prior to the start of this trial.

IMO, OP trying to use GAD as his defense is the same as the Twinkie defense or the "too opulent" claim. While GAD probably exists in ALL of us to some degree I seriously doubt if that was the prevailing persuasion for OP shooting Reeva through a door without first knowing where she was. I call BS.

Who amongst us does not have the heart quicken and the mind become suspicious, nervous, when there are the things that go bump in the night? Who does not feel fear when the same car, lost perhaps, passes our house three times late at night? Or the sudden ringing of a telephone late at night? Or a strange noise from the kitchen? Never mind whether Momma slept with a gun or not; never mind whether Granddaddy looked cross eyed at us over his glasses; never mind whether the teacher humiliated us... all which could have produced certain anxiety. Is it out of the ordinary to feel specific anxiety because of our past experiences? No. That would be the normal patterning our brains would have been imprinted with so as to ensure our future survival.


BTW
With all the commotion that night Reeva was murdered,
can any one tell me why the house person did NOT call the police when HE first heard the gunshot? Or when OP carried Reeva down the stairs, why didn't OP ask the house person to call the police so OP could continue to try CPR on her? Too much unanswered... And I would like to know about the blood on the bedroom door, the gun outside the bedroom door, the blood above the bed ? None of this has been addressed by the state although it is in the pictures and the reports...

Oscar Pistorius Trial: 20 May 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhmN5yBGG-I

Pistorius' Mental Health Key To Murder Trial

The athlete's referral for a full evaluation of his psychological state is the latest twist in the trial gripping South Africa.

9:18pm UK, Tuesday 20 May 2014


The athlete will be assessed at the Weskoppies psychiatric hospital

Emma Hurd
Sky Correspondent

On Monday morning Oscar Pistorius will make the short journey from his uncle's house in Pretoria to register as an outpatient at the Weskoppies psychiatric hospital by 9am.

The imposing red-brick institution was built in the late 1800s when it was still referred to as a "lunatic asylum". In these more enlightened times it is termed a centre for "psychiatric treatment and assessment" but it also remains a place of incarceration for the criminally insane.

It is a place few South Africans would choose to visit, but - on the orders of the judge in his murder trial - the athlete will spend seven hours a day at the hospital for a period of up to 30 days while his mental condition is assessed.

~Snipped~

Pistorius has, unusually, been permitted to attend the hospital as an outpatient, with Judge Thokozile Masipa explaining that she "didn’t want to punish him twice" by making him stay at a psychiatric unit for a month.

More striking is the timing of the psychiatric assessment - almost at the end of the trial rather than right at the start.

It might not have happened at all if the defence had not chosen to call psychiatrist Merryl Vorster to tell the court that the athlete suffered from 'generalised anxiety disorder'.

Read more:

http://news.sky.com/story/1265617/pistorius-mental-health-key-to-murder-trial

Judge lays down rules for Oscar Pistorius psychiatric tests
 
By Holly Yan and Robyn Curnow, CNN
updated 7:57 AM EDT, Tue May 20, 2014



Pretoria, South Africa (CNN) -- Oscar Pistorius must report for a month-long mental examination starting next Monday, the judge in his murder trial said Tuesday.

But unlike many defendants who have been ordered to psychiatric evaluation, the Olympian will not be committed to a medical facility. Judge Thokozile Masipa said Pistorius must report each weekday starting Monday, but will have evenings and weekends free.

The trial will not resume until June 30, Masipa said.

Read more:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/20/world/africa/oscar-pistorius-trial/index.html

Charl du Plessis @CharlduPlessc     ·   18h    
#OscarPistorius Interestingly, the trial record will be made available to psychiatrists

Pictured: Oscar Pistorius arrives for first day of psychiatric evaluation at mental health hospital

May 26, 2014 08:30  | By Richard Hartley-Parkinson
 
The Blade runner will be seen by a team of four psychiatrists at Weskoppies Hospital, Pretoria



Oscar Pistorius talks on a mobile phone while arriving in a car at the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital

Oscar Pistorius has arrived at Weskoppies mental health hospital where he is to undergo psychiatric evaluation.

The Blade Runner was driven into the facility in a Chevrolet Sonic this morning and security around the hospital remains tight.

He will undergo tests to see if his Generalised Anxiety Disorder played any role in the shooting of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Read more:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/pictured-oscar-pistorius-arrives-first-3608477#ixzz32pyU7dKb

Oscar Pistorius begins evaluation at psychiatric hospital

Christopher Torchia and Gerald Imray, The Associated Press
Published Monday, May 26, 2014 7:08AM EDT  
Last Updated Monday, May 26, 2014 11:24AM EDT

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- Oscar Pistorius' murder trial began a new phase Monday when the Olympic athlete arrived at a state psychiatric hospital for a monthlong evaluation whose terms have been described by some as favourable to the double-amputee runner.

Pistorius, who killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home last year, sat in the passenger seat of a black sedan and spoke on a cellphone as he arrived behind a police van at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in Pretoria, the South African capital.

The judge who will deliver a verdict in the case asked the hospital to determine if Pistorius had a mental disorder at the time of the shooting, which could affect whether he should be held criminally responsible.

Read more:

http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/oscar-pistorius-begins-evaluation-at-psychiatric-hospital-1.1838042#ixzz32pzdfxZ1

When mental illness diagnosis would be welcomed: Oscar Pistorius trial

May 26, 2014
Radell Smith
Criminal Profiles Examiner


Oscar Pistorius' Lockerz.com account

Few people who suffer from mental illness want to go on record with their disorder publicly due to the stigma such a condition can elicit. But in the case of Oscar Pistorius, who is on trial for his life, the South African athlete appears to be opting for the lesser of two evils by claiming a generalized anxiety disorder through his defense-hired psychiatrist Dr. Merryll Vorster.

~Snipped~

Judge Thokozile Masipa acquiesced to the chief prosecutor in the case, who requested the court order an official mental health exam in order to determine if mental illness played a role in the death of Reeva Steenkamp, or if the model's self-confessed killer was trying to avoid a murder conviction by claiming he was not criminally responsible due to the alleged anxiety disorder.

The prosecution feels Pistorius needs to be analyzed by four unbiased psychiatrists for an extended period of time, rather than a mere two visits with a medical professional hired by his defense team at the conclusion of his murder trial. So he will undergo testing for 30 consecutive days, while also being allowed to leave the facility at night, returning each morning.

~Snipped~

Faking mental illness to avoid jail and prison time is not uncommon in the criminal world, of course. And the judicial system in South Africa as well as the United States are all too familiar with this ploy, which appears to be why the chief prosecutor asked that the former boyfriend of the murder victim be examined by four other medical experts chosen by the court

Read more:

http://www.examiner.com/article/when-mental-illness-diagnosis-would-be-welcomed-oscar-pistorius-trial?cid=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Pistorius has arrived at Weskoppies

Published on May 26, 2014
Oscar Pistorius has arrived at the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in Pretoria where security is tight and there's a huge media contingent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPUz0G1xNws

Patricia Visagie ‏@Patrweezy  · 9h  
Media push and scuffle to get shots of #OscarPistorius as he reports for his first day at Weskoppies #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/bZL98pBIpx

RT Kendall ‏@DrRTKendall  · 2h  
Oscar Pistorius gave me lunch in his home today in Pretoria, S Africa. Please, please do pray for him.http://ow.ly/i/5GVEv

https://twitter.com/DrRTKendall

Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital





http://ewn.co.za/2014/05/26/Pistorius-psychiatric-evaluation-underway#

Thanks AD.
I was going to check on it and told myself to wait a few weeks...
Guess you are only going to get fish if you go fishing!

Alessandra_Deux wrote:

RT Kendall ‏@DrRTKendall  · 2h  
Oscar Pistorius gave me lunch in his home today in Pretoria, S Africa. Please, please do pray for him.http://ow.ly/i/5GVEv

https://twitter.com/DrRTKendall

And behind Op is a bullfighter scene... an arena of death.
What a macho guy. NOT.

Freckles wrote:Thanks AD.
I was going to check on it and told myself to wait a few weeks...
Guess you are only going to get fish if you go fishing!

You are welcome, Freckles.

It is great to "see" you!