Final Judgement Day: Oscar Pistorius To Be Sentenced Today

From a globally lauded athlete to convicted killer, Oscar Pistorius' fall from grace will culminate with his sentencing today, Tuesday, October 21. The Olympian will be sentenced for culpable homicide for the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Culpable homicide in South Africa means a person was killed unintentionally, but unlawfully.
During his trial, the double-amputee sprinter often sobbed at the mention of his girlfriend's name. He insisted that he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder when he shot her through a toilet door on Valentine's Day 2013.

Opening the session Tuesday, Judge Thokozile Masipa emphasized that the decision on sentencing would be "mine and mine alone." She pointed out that sentencing is not an exact science but relies on an assessment of elements including the nature and seriousness of the crime, the personal circumstances of the accused and the interests of society.

She must also take into account the factors in sentencing of retribution, deterrence and rehabilitation. In any case, she said, "sentencing is about achieving the right balance." Masipa then began to outline the arguments given by defense witnesses at the sentencing hearing last week.

Pistorius' defense has called for a sentence of house arrest and community service, rather than the prison term demanded by the prosecution....We'll be bring you details as events unfolds, keep a date with us!