(ATR)Olympian Oscar Pistorius is guilty of culpable homicide in the 2013 shooting death of Reeva Steenkamp, Judge Thokozile Masipa ruled on Friday. He returns to court on Oct. 13 for sentencing.
Culpable homicide is South Africa's term forunintentionally--but unlawfully - killing a person, much like negligent killing or manslaughter.The traditional maximum prison sentence for culpable homicide is 15 years, but a typical sentence is five to eight years, according to CNN legal analyst Kelly Phelps.
The judge's verdict also dealt with the Olympic sprinter's three other weapons charges. CNN says Pistoriuswas found not guilty of two - a car sunroof shooting incident and illegal possession of ammunition found at his house.
However, Judge Masipa did find Pistorius guilty of the third - a charge involving a shooting at a restaurant. The maximum penalty for that is five years behind bars, CNN legal analysts explain.
The International Paralympic Committee issued a statement on Friday after Judge Masipa announced the double-amputee's verdict.
"Following today's verdict, our thoughts remain with all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy, in particular the family and friends of Reeva Steenkamp who sadly lost her life in this incident.
"Throughout this case, the IPC has stressed the importance of differentiating between Oscar's contribution to the Paralympic Movement and his private life.
"As a sports organization, it would be unwise for the IPC to comment on the conclusion of a court case that is not related to sport."
Pistorius competed at three Paralympic Games: the 2004 Athens Paralympics, the 2008 Beijing Games, and the 2012 London Paralympics.
In 2012, he became the first amputee runner to compete at an Olympic Games. South Africa also chose Pistorius to carry the country's flag at the closing ceremony for the Olympics that year.
On Friday, the Olympian's uncle, Arnold Pistorius, issued a statement in which he said there were "no victors" in the verdict.
"It won't bring Reeva back, but our hearts still go out for her family and friends," he concluded.
Written byNicole Bennett
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