Oscar Pistorius, the 26-year-old South African sprinter who became the first double amputee to compete on the Olympic track at the 2012 London games, has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, the Associated Press and others reported Thursday.
Dubbed the “Blade Runner,” Pistorius was often described as the “fastest man on no legs.” He competed at the 2012 Olympics in the 400 meter race and on South Africa’s 4×400-meter relay team. His legs were amputated as an infant after being born without fibula bones.
Charges were brought against Pistorius after his girlfriend and model Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead inside their home in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa. The AP quoted a police spokesperson who said there had been “previous incidents” at Pistorius’ home.
From the AP:
Police said a 26-year-old male would appear in court later on Thursday. Police in South Africa do not name suspects in crimes until they have appeared in court but police spokesperson Brigadier Denise Beukes said that Pistorius was at his home after the death of Steenkamp and “there is no other suspect involved.”
Beukes said the suspect was undergoing blood alcohol and forensic tests and had made a request to be brought to court immediately. Beukes said he would apply for bail, but the South African Police Service would oppose the application.
