Oscar Pistorius has been formally charged with murder in the shooting death of Reeva Steenkamp, a woman believed to be his girlfriend. Steenkamp was shot dead in the home of Pistorius in Pretoria, South Africa, on Thursday morning. The court hearing is scheduled for Friday.
Early reports said that Pistorius told police the shooting was an accident and he had mistaken the victim as an intruder, but a police spokeswoman, Brig. Denise Beukes, said those reports did not come from police. Beukes also said there had been previous incidents at the Pistorius home due to complains of a "domestic nature."
Steenkamp was shot four times and when police arrived at the scene found paramedics attempting to revive her. Police recovered a 9 mm pistol at the house.
Pistorius became a worldwide star at the London Olympics for competing in the 400m as a double-amputee. South Africa's Sports Confederation and Olympic committee released a statement saying, "The organization is in no position to comment on the incident other than to say our deepest sympathy and condolences have been expressed to the families of all concerned." The International Paralympic Committee also declined comment.