Psychiatrists have found out that double-amputee Olympian, Oscar Pistorius, did not suffer from any mental illness that impacted his ability to know right from wrong when he fatally shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
The requirement by Judge that Pistorius be observed by a panel of four mental health experts at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa for up to 30 days came after a psychiatrist called by the defense said she diagnosed him with generalized anxiety disorder.
However, it was announced Monday (June 30) that the experts disagreed and the trial resumed.
The South African sprinter is accused of gunning down Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door in his home on Valentine’s Day of last year (2013).
Nicknamed the “Blade Runner,” Pistorius has admitted to the shooting but pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder, alleging he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder.
The state contends that Pistorius argued with Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, before killing her.
If found guilty of murder, Mr Pistorius, who went on trial on 3 March this year, could face life imprisonment. If he is acquitted of that charge, the court would consider an alternative charge of culpable homicide, for which he could receive about 15 years in prison.
