BBC, REUTERS
PRETORIA – South African “blade runner” Oscar Pistorius was officially indicted Monday on charges of murdering his girlfriend, with the trial set to begin in March 2014.
The March 3 start date has been agreed by all parties during the hearing at Pretoria magistrates’ court Monday, the BBC reports. The 26-year-old star double-amputee athlete, who is free on bail, appeared to pray with his brother and sister before the proceedings began.
Pistorius is accused of the premeditated murder of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in their house on the night of Valentine’s day earlier this year. Steenkamp would have turned 30 on Monday.
According to Reuters, detailed charges were presented outlining the prosecution case. State prosecutors argue that he intentionally shot his girlfriend, which means a mandatory life sentence if found guilty.
Pistorius says he shot Steenkamp after mistaking her for a burglar.
Pistorius at the Pretoria magistrates’ court Monday – Photo via Twitter, Chris Reason
