Oscar Pistorius May Be Released From Prison After Serving 10 Months For Girlfriend’s Death

Oscar Pistorius, the Paralympian imprisoned for killing his girlfriend, may be released just 10 months after his sentencing. CNN reports a parole board is set to recommend that he be released in August, after serving a sixth of his 5-year sentence.

Pistorius was convicted of culpable homicide for the 2013 Valentine’s Day shooting death of his girlfriend, model and law school graduate Reeva Steenkamp. As the Inquisitr previously reported, the 28-year-old double-amputee was sentenced to five years in prison. While Pistorius admitted to firing the shots that killed Reeva through his closed bathroom door, he claimed he thought he was shooting at an intruder.

Culpable homicide means the killing was unlawful, but unintentional. Under South African law, one must serve a minimum of one-sixth of their prison sentence before being released for good behavior. Pistorius, if released, will be placed under house arrest 10 months to the day of his sentencing.

Prosecuters are appealing the 2014 culpable homicide ruling and are seeking a murder charge in November. Pistorius may still face a minimum of 15 years in prison if the original charge is overturned.

Prison officials said the details of Oscar Pistorius’ parole and house arrest will not be made public, but his lawyer told a local newspaper he would like to work with children any way he can, according to Daily Mail.

“He will have to lift his head and take it on the chin. He took it on the chin when he got the verdict and he will do the same when he walks through the prison gates in August.The parole conditions will be at their discretion: don’t drink or do drugs, go to church. He’ll have a psychological programme, an anger management course. They will set the parameters and he will keep to them. Oscar is keen to become involved in assisting children in whatever opportunity will present.”

Reeva Steenkamp’s mother, June Steenkamp, spoke in the past of forgiving her daughter’s killer, saying he was a disabled person and she didn’t want to see him suffer in prison. However, after hearing of his likely early release, she said 10 months is just not enough to pay for what he has done.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to let him back in society so quickly. He shot my daughter through that door where she had no space to move or defend herself. One of the bullets blew her brains out, it is disgusting what he did to her… 10 months is just not enough.”

Oscar Pistorius, a South African sprinter, had both his legs amputated as a baby. He went on to become the first double-amputee to participate in the Olympic Games by completing the 400-meter race and 4×400 meter relay in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

[Images by Christopher Furlong / Getty Images and The Guardian]