IFWT_Pistorius
South African Olympic star Oscar Pistorius was found not guilty of murder earlier this week in the death of his girlfriend, but he did not get away scott free. Pistorius was found guilty of “culpable homicide” which is the equivalent to manslaughter or negligent homicide here in the U.S. The Judge thought he was more than responsible for her death even though she does not believe he did it on purpose. He is now facing up to 15 years in prison, but he may also avoid jail time all together. Hit the jump.

@IamJoeSports

Judge Thokozile Masipa said there was not enough evidence to support the contention that Pistorius knew Steenkamp was behind a locked toilet door in his home when he shot through the door in the predawn hours of Valentine’s Day last year. Masipa said prosecutors had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Pistorius intended to kill Reeva Steenkamp.

The red-robed judge ordered Pistorius, 27, to stand before she delivered the formal verdict on the multiple counts against him, and said it was a unanimous verdict, meaning she and her two legal assessors agreed on the findings. The conviction of culpable homicide, or negligent killing, can bring a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

Pistorius’ sentencing hearing would begin on Oct. 13. Both sides will be able to call witnesses to argue ahead of the judge’s ruling on if, or for how long, Pistorius is sent to prison for negligently killing Steenkamp.

The sentence for a culpable homicide conviction is at the judge’s discretion, and it can range from a suspended sentence and a fine to up to a maximum of 15 years in prison. Sentencing was expected to be announced at a later date.