Pistorius trial. Doctor says he had found Mr Pistorius kneeling by her body.
Pistorius looks inconsolable in the dock on Tuesday. PHOTO BY AFP.
PRETORIA.
A neighbour of Oscar Pistorius has told his murder trial he heard the South African Paralympic star say he had shot his girlfriend after mistaking her for a burglar.
Johan Stipp, a qualified doctor, says he tried to revive Reeva Steenkamp but could tell she was dying.
During Dr Stipp’s testimony, Mr Pistorius cried and seemed to wretch. The double amputee denies intentionally killing her, saying he mistook the 29-year-old model for an intruder.
If found guilty, the 27-year-old could face life imprisonment. Dr Stipp said he could see Ms Steenkamp’s brain tissue in her hair. At this point, a police officer passed a plastic bag to Mr Pistorius.
Recalling the night of 14 February 2013, Dr Stipp said he had heard gunshots. He said he had found Mr Pistorius kneeling by her body.
“I shot her,” the Paralympic star told him.“I thought she was a burglar.”
Dr Stipp said Mr Pistorius had been in an emotional state. Fearing he might hurt himself, he had asked where the gun was.
