What we know so far:
- Pistorius has been found guilty of culpable homicide, i.e., unlawful killing. The judge says Pistorius had clearly been negligent in his actions.
- Pistorius has been found not guilty of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day 2013.
- Pistorius has been found not guilty of firing a gun through car sunroof (count 2), but found guilty of firing a gun in a restaurant (count 3).
- Pistorius has not been found guilty of illegal ammunition charge.
- The athlete has been granted bail. A sentencing date has been set for October 13.
- Culpable homicide carries a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, with no minimum sentence.
- Pistorius denied killing Steenkamp intentionally.
A live streaming of the verdict can be viewed here:
View this video on YouTube
Updates
Pistorius is pictured leaving the High Court building in Pretoria earlier, surrounded by police officers.
Oscar Pistorius' uncle Arnold has read out a statement in the courtroom, stating their gratitude to Judge Masipa for clearing Oscar of murder:
There are no victors in this. We as a family remain deeply affected by the devastating tragic event. It won't bring Reeva back but our hearts still go out for her family and friends.
"We always knew the facts," said Arnold #Pistorius, "and we never had any doubt in Oscar's version of this tragic incident"
Court is adjourned once more.
Sentencing date agreed for Oct. 13.
Pistorius' lawyer Barrie Roux had asked for dates between Oct. 13-16. The athlete will continue to live at his uncle's home, where he has been residing for the past 18 months.
Sentencing for Oscar Pistorius will take place Oct 13. There is no minimum jail term for manslaughter here, & a max of 15yrs #Pistorius
Judge Masipa has granted Pistorius bail. He will be a free man until sentencing.
Judge says there's no evidence that #Pistorius is a flight risk; selling his properties is not sufficient reason
It is my view that if the state had any reason to suspect that... the properties were sold to allow the suspect to take flight, the state would have investigated this long ago.
The decision is yet another blow for state prosecutor Gerrie Nel.
Prosecutor Nel gets another gentle rap on knuckles from Judge, who again accuses him of slack, circumstantial allegations.
Proceedings have resumed.
The judge gives her ruling on Pistorius' bail application.
She outlines the state's reasons for opposing bail.
Masipa:state opposes bail as Pistorius has been convicted of serious crime, has disposed of property, incident invoking OP at club@eNCAnews
It looks as though we're approaching the end of another lengthy break, according to reporters in Pretoria.
Waiting for the judge to return to court,both barristers appear to be in chambers with her,maybe discussing dates for sentence? #OscarTrial
Lunch running late, Pistorius back from cells to hear what will happen with bail. June Steenkamp not back for this session. #oscartrial
Pistorius sits in the courtroom during today's verdict.
State prosecutor Gerrie Nel reacts as he listens to the verdict.
Judge Masipa announces another break.
Court has adjourned so the judge can decide on bail. We will be back at 12:30 local. #OscarPistorius
#OscarTrial Oscar has just been led down to the cells by a policeman. His bail is revoked until judge makes a decision.
Barry Roux says that Pistorius' bail was granted for a charge far more serious than that of culpable homicide.
Roux says #OscarPistorius was granted bail for more serious charge than culpable homicide. Admits nightclub trip was mistake.
Roux and Nel discuss the sale of Pistorius' property, and where he is currently residing.
Roux explains that OP sold his property to cover his legal costs not because he wants to accumulate enough money. #OscarPistorius
Masipa asks where Pistorius is staying - Roux gives address of Uncle Arnold where Pistorius has been staying for 18 months. #oscartrial
Whether Pistorius is a suicide risk is also being considered.
#OscarTrial Roux dismisses suicide suggestions saying 'he is still here'.
Nel is arguing that a recent incident involving Pistorius visiting a nightclub is another reason he shouldn't get bail.
Nel wants the judge to consider what his family described as "self-harming" after fight at a night-club recently & him being a suicide risk
I am of the view that this is a serious case, he was convicted of a very serious case, he caused the death of an innocent woman, even negligently ... makes the imposition of a lengthy imprisonment probable.
Nel disagrees. Argues that being found guilty of culpable homicide is serious and that imprisonment is probable. Doesn't want bail extended.
Court is back in session.
Pistorius' lawyer, Barry Roux, is arguing that his client's bail should be valid until a sentence is imposed, despite the guilty verdict.
Roux says it's "premature" to consider the sentence Pistorius is likely to receive. Says onus is on state to argue why he shouldn't get bail.
The break in proceedings has gone on significantly longer than five minutes. Reporters in the court are saying that both counsels are talking to the judge.
Roux and Nel have gone off to talk to Judge - presumably about dates for sentencing hearing. #OscarPistorius
Oscar Pistorius talks with his uncle Arnold in the courtroom earlier today.
Culpable homicide carries a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment in South Africa.
Culpable homicide carries a maximum of 15 years in jail, according to @BBCNews #OscarPistorius
However, Pistorius could avoid jail entirely on this charge.
With a charge of culpable homicide, Pistorius could avoid jail time, yet Judge Masipa is known for handing out stiff sentences
The Guardian is reporting that the firearms charge he was also found guilty of carries a maximum jail term of five years.
State and defense counsels will be required to make submissions to the judge ahead of her sentencing decision, which is not likely to come today.
Court currently taking a five-minute break.
Reporters in the court are commenting on the emotions on show in the room.
No tears from #OscarPistorius, who has sat back down, continues to stare straight ahead.
Oscar #Pistorius stands quietly, hands folded in front of him, as he's pronounced not guilty of murder, but guilty of culpable homicide
Gina Myers, Reeva's best friend, looks terribly upset by the verdict, crying, putting her hand to her mouth.
#OscarPistorius sits, rubs his face, and slumps briefly forwards. Not much emotion in court. We knew this verdict was coming.
#OscarPistorius sister Aimee walks over and gives him a hug. Other relatives follow suit.
The judge is now dealing with the indemnity of Darren Fresco, a witness for the firearms charges.
#OscarPistorius Masipa says Fresco has given false evidence
Fresco has been given indemnity from prosecution.
#OscarTrial Fresco has been given indemnity. BB
PISTORIUS GUILTY OF CULPABLE HOMICIDE.
#OscarVerdict The unanimous decision of this court is the following. The accused if found guilty of culpable homicide - Masipa
The other charges:
Count 2: relating to the sunroof incident — not guilty.
Count 3: the restaurant shooting — guilty.
Count 4: illegal ammunition possession — not guilty.
Pistorius has been asked to stand.
Reporters in the court are remarking on the tension as Judge Masipa rattles ever closer to a verdict on culpable homicide.
Judge moves on to 2nd count, having failed to spell out culpable homicide verdict, but clearly implied it. Tantalising suspense.
Judge Masipa says Pistorius' behavior after the killing "was not of that of someone who'd committed murder."
Judge says #OscarPistorius behaviour after killing was not that of someone who'd committed murder.
The Steenkamp family are "not happy" with the outcome of the gun-related charges. Reeva's best friend, Gina Myers, was crying in the courtroom as Masipa delivered the verdict.
#OscarTrial Much murmerring and muttering in the Steenkamp camp. Slapping of legs, shaking of heads. Not happy with gun related charges.
The Steenkamp family as Judge Masipa recaps on the counts that have been brought against #OscarPistorius
Gina Myers - Reeva's best friend - crying as Judge Masipa also finds Pistorius not guilty of illegally possessing ammunition
Judge Masipa has moved on to discussing the murder charges again.
Judge rules out murder again. Now to culpable homicide....
She appears to be recapping the entire verdict.
.@sarahlyall from the Pistorius trial: Masipa is now recapping her entire verdict, from murder on down.
#PistoriusTrial So Count 1: Murder 'the screams, the shots, the calls made by witnesses are more in line with version of accused'
#PistoriusTrial Judge is explaining in great depth how she reached her legal conclusion on the most serious charge of murder
#PistoriusTrial The S African newspapers and media coverage this morning is awash with criticism and questions about Judge's ruling y'day
Pistorius found not guilty of illegal ammunition charge.
She says Pistorius' version of events — that he was looking after the ammunition for his father, Henke, and did not intend to possess it — remained "uncontroverted", despite the lack of evidence to corroborate it.
Judge Masipa is discussing Count 4: illegal possession of ammunition.
She says he did not possess a license for ammunition.
She says the state must prove Pistorius had the necessary mental intention to possess a firearm or ammunition before he can be convicted.
She is now discussing Count 3, relating to when he discharged a firearm in a Johannesburg restaurant.
Judge now dealing with the Tashas incident where the gun went off under the table. State accused OP of discharging it. #OscarPistorius
Masipa says Pistorius didn't intentionally pull the trigger, but this does not mean he is absolved from negligently firing the gun.
Masipa accepts the testimony of boxer Kevin Lerena, a "good witness", who was in the restaurant at the time. She says Pistorius should be convicted of this charge.
Judge Masipa accepts the testimony of Fresco and Kevin Lerina. Seems like she will find him guilty here. #Pistorius
BREAKING #OscarPistorius guilty on count 3 - the Tashas shooting incident. A charge of negligence. BB
The judge is discussing Count 2, relating to Pistorius discharging a firearm in public, when he fired a gun through a car sunroof while with friend Darren Fresco and former girlfriend Samantha Taylor.
He has been acquitted of this charge.
BREAKING #OscarPistorius acquitted on Count 2 - the sunroof shooting incident. The state failed to prove its case. BB
It seems Judge Masipa will go through the additional firearms charges Pistorius faces, ahead of looking at the culpable homicide charge.
Looking like the judge will go through additional gun related charges first and end on the shooting #OscarVerdict
Day two of the Oscar Pistorius verdict. The defendant has arrived at court.
In court. #OscarPistorius just arrived. He's looking, dare I say, more relaxed than usual.
Reeva Steenkamp's parents arrived one hour ago.
Meanwhile, Reeva Steenkamp's parents are already back in court and journalist scrum awaits #OscarPistorius arrival outside.
Pistorius is pictured leaving the court earlier.
He then traveled to his uncle's house in the Pretoria suburb of Waterkloof.
#OscarPistorius arrives at his uncle's house in Waterkloof with his bodyguards. MR
Pistorius has now left the courtroom.
#oscarverdict he leaves court still unsure of his fate. Will it be culpable homicide?
Eyewitness News reporter Mandy Wiener says the judgment comes down to a subjective test.
Dolus eventualis is 'did' foresee, culp is 'should have'. Masipa says she believes OP didn't foresee consequences. It's a subjective test.
Dolus eventualis would have meant Oscar Pistorius did foresee the consequences of his actions, whereas culpable homicide means he simply should have foreseen them.
Judge Masipa discusses the "reasonable man" test in relation to Pistorius — whether she believes a reasonable man in Pistorius' circumstances would have acted in the same manner.
The judge says Pistorius failed this test in regard to negligence. "In the circumstances, it is clear that his conduct was negligent," she says.
She says he failed to take the steps he reasonably should have in order to guard against the consequences.
Masipa: Would a reasonable person have foreseen that whoever was behind the door might have been struck by a bullet and die? Answer is yes.
Masipa says the defendant's background must be taken into consideration.
She says Pistorius' sex, education, and background "must be taken into account" when considering his actions.
Judge Masipa: I agree that the conduct of the accused may be looked at his background. But it does not excuse his conduct.
The two counsels have now returned to the courtroom following their apparent discussion in the judge's chambers, according to The Guardian.
Judge Masipa follows shortly after.
She moves on to discussing culpable homicide.
Judge Masipa is back. "We now deal with culpable homicide..."
Reporters in the court say prosecutor Gerrie Nel entered the courtroom after lunch, only to leave once again with lead defense counsel, Barry Roux.
Gerrie Nel enters court looking stoney-faced.He then disappears, along with Barry Roux.Possible conflab in the judge's chambers? #OscarTrial
They have both apparently gone to the judge's chambers.
Counsel gone to chambers. Gerrie Nel looks a bit fed up #OscarPistorius
Prosecution and defence lawyers called to Judge's chambers... a question of timings, or of substance, or something else?
#OscarTrial Both Roux and Nel have exited the courtroom. Very likely going to meet with the judge. But mid way through judgment?
Oscar Pistorius' brother, Carl, has been seated at the front of the courtroom in a wheelchair.
He suffered serious injuries in a recent car crash, the BBC reported.
The Pistorius judgment is still being held up by a break for lunch.
No sign of Judge returning... an unexpected, unexplained delay in proceedings. #OscarPistorius
Prior to the lunch break, emotion seemed to be taking its toll on Pistorius.
Pistorius is literally heaving with sobs. Presumably out of joy since Judge just said he can't be found guilty of murder.
A protest by the ANC Women's League in support of Reeva Steenkamp has been taking place outside the High Court in Pretoria today.
The organization has supported the Steenkamp family throughout the trial, with members accompanying Reeva's mother, June, to the courtroom, The Guardian reported.
Culpable homicide carries a maximum of 15 years in jail, according to @BBCNews http://t.co/vCazek0oG8 #OscarPistorius
When Masipa returns from lunch, she could decide that Pistorius is guilty of culpable homicide, The Guardian is reporting.
This would occur if she believes he did not mean to kill Steenkamp, but acted recklessly or negligently in firing through the locked bathroom door. There is no minimum sentence for culpable homicide.
As the murder charges have been dismissed, Pistorius could be acquitted if the judge accepts the defense's account that he genuinely feared for his life, or was acting in self-defense.
Pistorius also faces charges on two counts discharging firearms in public, and one more of possessing ammunition illegally.
Judge Masipa announces an early break for lunch.
How could the accused have reasonably foreseen the shot he fired would have killed the deceased? Clearly he did not subjectively foresee this, that he would have killed the person behind the door, let alone the deceased.
I may be getting ahead of things but it looks like culpable homicide verdict likely... #OscarPistorius
There is no doubt that when the accused fired shots at the door he acted unlawfully.
Masipa says the fact the person behind the door turned out to be Reeva is "irrelevant" and that the question is whether Pistorius had the intention to kill the person behind the door.
Masipa: "The fact the person behind the door turned out to be the deceased and not an intruder is irrelevant." #Pistorius
Reporters in court say the response to the judge's decision that Pistorius cannot be found guilty of premeditated murder has been muted. He can, of course, still be found guilty of murder, if the judge decides that – pre-planning aside – he armed himself and shot with the intention to kill.
The state clearly has not proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of premeditated murder. There are just not enough facts to support such a finding.
Judge Thokozile Masipa: State could not prove pre-meditated murder! Oscar off the hook on Premeditated murder!
Masipa says that the circumstances in which Steenkamp was killed were "peculiar" and did not make sense.
She asks why the accused fired four shots and not one, and why he did not ask Steenkamp if she heard the window opening.
Judge Masipa moves on to Pistorius' own testimony, saying he was a "very poor witness."
#oscartrial Masipa: the accused was a very poor witness, in evidence in chief he seemed composed so evidence flowed and made sense...
#oscartrial Masipa: under cross-examination he was fumbling...defence tried to explain that he was traumatised and under medication.
Judge Masipa: At the time the accused could distinguish between right and wrong. #OscarPistorius
Pistorius is described as "evasive" by the judge.
Judge Masipa: #OscarPistorius was an evasive witness
She says he was initially composed under cross-examination, but gradually lost composure.
#OscarPistorius initially composed, but lost composure under cross-examination, says Judge, rejecting defence explanation he was stressed.
Judge Masipa says that Pistorius' evidence is "contradictory, in my view."
The essence of Pistorius' defense is that he didn't intend to shoot anyone. However, if he is found to have such an intention, it's because he believed he was under threat from from an intruder, she says.
She says that if the state has argued that he did not have an intention to shoot, he cannot use self-defense as a defense. She says that Pistorius approached the bathroom with a gun.
Judge Thokozile Masipa reads her verdict at the North Guateng High Court in Pretoria.
Pistorius weeps as Judge Masipa reads her verdict.
Barry Steenkamp, Reeva Steenkamp's father, looks at Pistorius in the dock.
Masipa says the accused did not suffer from a mental disorder, saying: "He could act in accordance with understanding the difference between right and wrong."
In May, psychiatrist Dr. Merryll Vorster revealed in court that Pistorius suffered from a general anxiety disorder and "hyper-vigilance," which affects his fight or flight reaction.
The court is back in session. Judge Masipa's verdict has resumed.
And we resume. Judge Masipa: defense submitted that Pistorius intended to shoot to defend himself @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
Here are the key points from Judge Masipa's ruling so far:
- The judge accepts the defense's timeline of events, saying shots were fired between 3:12 a.m. and 3:14 a.m. Her apparent acceptance of the defense's timeline suggests she's likely to rule out premeditation.
- Masipa says that the evidence around Reeva's last meal is "inconclusive" as the gastric emptying is "not an exact science."
- The witnesses Burger and Johnson may have misinterpreted sounds they thought they heard from the Pistorius house.
- The screams may have come from Pistorius and not Steenkamp, as her injuries may have rendered her unable to scream.
- The claim made by the defense that the police tampered with the scene is not significant when compared to other evidence. The judge also rejects that the WhatsApp messages between the couple prove anything for either side.
The judge has announced an adjournment.
Court will be back in session at 11:30 a.m. local time (5:30 a.m. ET).
The judge is making an assessment of Pistorius' defense.
Now, Judge's assessment of defence. "not quite clear if he had intended to shoot or not..." #OscarPistorius
Oscar Pistorius is pictured in the Pretoria courtroom today.
Judge Masipa says that WhatsApp messages used by the prosecution to suggest Pistorius and Steenkamp's relation was "on the rocks" are irrelevant.
So the disputed issue of the relationship between OP and RS has been summarily dismissed as irrelevant - or at least unproven. Crucial.
She says that relationships can be "dynamic" and wants to refrain from "making inferences one way or the other in this regard."
Masipa addresses Reeva's last meal, saying that gastric emptying is "not an exact science" so the evidence is "inconclusive."
Gastric emptying not "an exact science" says Judge Masipa. So evidence "inconclusive." Another key state argument rejected...
The state says that her stomach contents suggest she ate much later than the 7 p.m. claimed by Pistorius. Masipa says that this evidence does not help their case as it is inconclusive.
Screams heard after the first gunshot sounds at 3:12-3:13 a.m. could not have been made by Reeva Steenkamp, Judge Masipa says after a short break.
This casts doubt over state witnesses' (Pistorius' closest neighbors, the Stipps) testimony, in which they claimed they'd heard a woman scream.
Masipa suggests any screams made after this time must have been from Pistorius.
The judge's apparent acceptance of the defense's timeline suggests she's likely to rule out premeditation.
Critically, Masipa appears to be agreeing with #OscarPistorius’ defence timeline. But that doesn’t mean she can’t find him guilty of murder.
However, Pistorius can still be found guilty of murder if he is deemed to have intended to kill either Steenkamp, or a perceived intruder.
Judge Masipa has addressed a dispute in the chronology between state and defense over the timing of noises made by the gunshots and the cricket bat Pistorius used to break down the bathroom door.
CRUCIAL. Judge Masipa says state did not do anything to undermine the timeline presented by Oscar Pistorius defense. @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
Phone records were used as a basis for resolving this dispute.
#OscarTrial Masipa: the phone records can be used as a base to establish when the shots were fired, screams heard and bat hitting door. BB
The judge accepts the defense's version of events, saying shots were fired between 3:12 a.m. and 3:14 a.m.
Masipa says it would be "unwise to rely on witnesses" without testing against objective evidence.
#OscarTrial Masipa: It would be unwise to rely on witnesses, include defence witnesses, without testing against objective evidence.
She adds that the court is lucky to have reliable evidence, such as phone records, as many witnesses “got things wrong.”
Human beings are fallible, says Judge - veering firmly towards "reliability" of objective facts like phone records. #OscarPistorius
Masipa says that witness Dr. Stipp's evidence was unreliable, though not tailored.
Judge agrees that neighbour Dr. Stipp's evidence (another state witness) was unreliable, though not tailored.
Masipa has now moved on to two of the "horrendous" injuries sustained by Reeva Steenkamp. She says that the injuries may have rendered Steenkamp unable to scream.
#OscarPistorius verdict Judge now moving onto the injuries. The first shot which hit her hip was disabling but she wd hv been able to scream
Judge says 2 of injuries could have resulted in immediate death/incapacitation.
The defense had claimed that Pistorius' scream sounds like that of a woman.
The judge said it was difficult to know the truth in this instance as no one, including ex-girlfriend Samantha Taylor, had ever heard the athlete scream in a life-threatening situation.
A local news reporter says that it appears Pistorius "has started crying" in the court room.
#Pistorius Looks like Oscar has started crying. #sabcnews
Oscar fighting to keep his composure, holding back tears. His sister Aimee, behind him is crying. #OscarPistorius
Judge Masipa says state witnesses Burger and Johnson may have misinterpreted sounds they thought they heard from the Pistorius house.
Judge concedes that witnesses may have misinterpreted sounds they heard on morning of shooting @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
Important. Judge says Burger and Johnson were "not dishonest" - they were "genuinely mistaken" @eNCAnews #OscarTrial
#OscarPistorius verdict Judge seems to think they made genuine mistake but were 'correctly criticised' as unreliable
Judge Masipa discusses whether the police contaminated the crime scene following the shooting.
She says that this was rightly looked at, but these issues "pale into insignificance" when placed alongside the rest of the evidence.
She says it is accepted that the accused, on his stumps, fired four shots at the toilet door; that Steenkamp was inside the cubicle, which was locked from the inside and three of the shots hit her; that she died from multiple gunshot wounds.She says it is not disputed that the accused then called for help; removed Steenkamp from the cubicle and carried her downstairs; that he was "very emotional" and tried to resuscitate her.
Judge Thokosile Masipa arrives at the trial and begins her summing up.
She gives a short bow, and tells Pistorius to sit down.
Oscar Pistorius has arrived at the Pretoria courtroom, amid a media scrum.
Oscar Pistorius arrives at the court
The verdict in the murder trial of South African Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius is due to be delivered in Pretoria today.
Judge Thokozile Matilda Masipa will read out her full judgement, which the BBC claims could take more than a day.
Reeva Steenkamp's parents arrive for #OscarTrial
A bucket has been replaced in the courtroom, should Pistorius come close to vomiting again, as he did earlier in the trial.
It's back - Oscar Pistorius's infamous green sick bucket was yesterday placed in the dock for the verdict #Pistorius
The trial of Oscar Pistorius has spanned six months and played out in front of a worldwide audience on social media and global news channels.
Pistorius has been seen weeping, retching, and has been sent for psychological evaluation. He has also faced a formidable foe in prosecutor Gerrie Nel, whose direct style of questioning has seen him show why he's been given the nickname The Pitbull.
Pistorius was charged with the murder of 29-year-old model and law graduate Steenkamp (pictured) on Valentine's Day 2013.
The double-amputee runner admitted to killing Steenkamp, but claimed he thought he was shooting an intruder through his bathroom door.
He wept as he appeared in court for the first time the following day.
I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Mrs and Mr Steenkamp, to Reeva's family, to those of you who knew her who are here today… there hasn't been a moment since this tragedy happened that I haven't thought about your family.I wake up every morning and you're the first people I think of, the first people I pray for. I can't imagine the pain and the sorrow and the emptiness that I've caused you and your family. I was simply trying to protect Reeva. I can promise that when she went to bed that night she felt loved.
A video of Pistorius' April 2013 apology can be seen here:
View this video on YouTube
At times, the trial seemed to take its emotional toll on Pistorius, with the athlete appearing to vomit when shown "graphic" evidence of Steenkamp's post mortem on March 10, 2014.
Sky News reporter Alex Crawford, who was in the court at the time, said Pistorius made "loud retching noises", and that a court official had to move his microphone in order to "lessen the sound."
The judge eventually asked if Pistorius was well enough to carry on, but his lawyer Barry Roux insisted the evidence continue.
Pathologist Gert Saayman had told the court that Ms Steenkamp had been shot three times: in the head, pelvis and arm, and that Black Talon ammunition — bullets that open up flower-like in order to "cause maximum damage" — were used.