Blade Runner on trial

It’s always a sad headline to hear someone has been murdered. With our news being so interested in celebrities, it becomes even more abundant, thus more sad, when a high profile person dies or is involved in murder. This week, famed double amputee, South African runner Oscar Pistorius was charged in the murder of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp. While news on the matter is very scarce at the moment, the model was found dead in the Olympic star's house, and the 9mm used for the murder was found at the scene.

Police brigadier Denise Beukes has said of the current investigation that, “We are talking about neighbors and people that heard things earlier in the evening and when the shooting took place.” She also said that she can, “…confirm that there has previously been incidents at the home of Mr. Oscar Pistorious, of allegations of a domestic nature.”

Pistorius, better known as Blade Runner, was born missing both fibulas in his legs. He underwent a double amputation as a child, and became the first double amputee to make the Olympics. In 2012, he reached the 400-meter semi-finals in the London Olympics.

Before making headlines for murder, Blade Runner was in the news for his bid to run in both the Olympics and Paralympics. The IOC wasn't convinced about letting Pistorius compete in the Olympic Games, but ended up allowing the runner, who hit the Olympic “A” standard to compete. Pistorius has a personal record of 45.07 in the 400M, as well as a 10.91 in the 100M, and a 21.3 in the 200M.

While the allegations have not been proven, this is a sad day for both sports fans and the families and loved ones of Pistorius and Steenkamp. Members on both sides of the case have expressed the surprise and devastation hearing about the couple’s loss.

Photo courtesy of USA Today