"Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius Charged With Murder in Shooting Death of Girlfriend

Double-amputee sprinter accused of gunning down 30-year-old Reeva Steenkamp at his home in South Africa after reportredly mistaking her for an intruder

Oscar Pistorius, the South African sprinter who made history by becoming the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics, has been charged with murder after he allegedly shot a woman at his home in Pretoria, South Africa, on Thursday.

Per Reuters, the woman, a 30-year-old model identified as Reeva Steenkamp, was believed to be the 26-year-old athlete's girlfriend, and Pistorius purportedly mistook her for an intruder when he allegedly opened fire, according to local news outlets.

Local police responded to a report of gunshots at Pistorius' home early Thursday morning, and upon arriving, paramedics discovered that the victim had been shot several times. She was subsequently pronounced dead.

Pistorius was taken into custody, and he is scheduled to appear in court Friday.

"A case of murder has been opened," police spokeswoman Col. Katlego Mogale said. "Currently the investigators and the forensic people are on the scene."

Pistorius' attorney, Kenny Oldwag, told reporters at a Pretoria police station that the Olympian is "doing well but very emotional."

Meanwhile, Steenkamp's agent, Sarit Tomlinson, said in a statement: "Our thoughts and prayers go to the Steenkamp family, who have asked to have their privacy respected during this difficult time, everyone is simply devastated. She was the kindest, sweetest human being; an angel on earth who will be sorely missed."

Pistorius, a Paralympic champ who had earned the affectionate nickname "Blade Runner," competed in the 4x400 meter relay and 400-meter semifinal at the 2012 London Olympics. At the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, he won two gold medals and a silver.

(Originally published on Feb. 14, 2013, at 4:07 a.m. PT)