Oscar Pistorius, Olympian convicted of killing girlfriend, released from prison

Oscar Pistorius, a South African Olympian who was convicted of killing his girlfriend in 2013, has been released from prison. Pistorius served nearly nine years of the 15-year prison sentence handed down to him for killing Reeva Steenkamp, his then-girlfriend, a decade ago.

Pistorius, 37, maintained the Valentine’s Day shooting was an act of self-defense and that he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder. According to authorities, Pistorius shot Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door. News of the shooting shook South Africa, as Pistorius was a symbol of inspiration, a double amputee Olympic sprinter who became known to so many as “Blade Runner.”

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In 2013, the murder dominated headlines around the world, and Pistorius’ seven-month-long trial was televised. On Friday, Dec. 29, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections Services said that Pistorius was at home and would be under parole supervision until 2029. He is also required to go to rehabilitation programs and is banned from consuming alcohol and illegal substances.

After initially opposing his release, the Steenkamp family hoped releasing him would bring them some respite as the family faced intense scrutiny as the trial played out in court.

“Has there been justice for Reeva? Has Oscar served enough time?” Reeva’s mother said in a statement. “There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back, and no amount of time served will bring Reeva back. We, who remain behind, are the ones serving a life sentence.”