Oscar Pistorius Kills Girlfriend After Mistaking Her For Robber [Breaking, Updated]

Update 3:08 AM (EST):

Oscar Pistorius will reportedly appear in front of the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Thursday in connection with the death of his girlfriend.

A spokesman for the Pretoria police told NBC News:

“We can confirm that a 26-year-old man has been taken into custody following a complaint by a neighbor that there was a shooting at the home of Oscar Pistorius. He is being charged with murder and he will appear in the Pretoria regional court later this afternoon.”

Update 2:18 AM (EST):

South African journalist Kalay Maistry has told Sky News that Oscar Pistorious’ girlfriend was shot when she tried to wake him up as a Valentine’s Day surprise. Maistry explained:

“It is alleged that he thought his girlfriend, who’d come in to try to surprise him for Valentines Day, was an intruder. It’s alleged that he shot her at least twice in the arm and head.”

Paramedics were called to Pistorius’ home between 4 am and 5 am local time. Police arrived shortly after and found a 9mm pistol, which was reportedly recovered from the scene. Maistry added:

“I think what this actually highlights is the level of fear ordinary South Africans have … This has come as a complete surprise for a man who’s considered a national hero.”

Pistorius was said to be in a state of shock as police questioned him before he was arrested. He is expected to appear in Pretoria Magistrates Court later on Thursday.

The woman who died has been named by some media outlets as model Reeva Steencamp.

Original Story:

Oscar Pistorius killed his girlfriend after he mistook her for a robber, according to a report by South African media.

Pistorius is a Paralympic runner and double amputee. He runs on prosthetic blades and is nicknamed “Blade Runner.” He also raced in the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

News 24 reports that the athlete reportedly shot his girlfriend twice and she was declared dead at the scene. Police Captain Sarah Mcira confirmed that the woman was killed after being shot in the head and the arm.

The incident occurred around 4 am on Thursday morning at the runner’s home in Silver Lakes, Pretoria. Oscar Pistorius is currently in police custody.

This is breaking news and will be updated as more information becomes available.

[Image by Jim Thurston [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons]