Oscar Pistorius Found Not Guilty of Murder in Girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp's Death

South African athlete could still face charge of culpable homicide, similar to manslaughter, which judge is set to rule on after lunch

Oscar Pistorius was found not guilty of premeditated murder in the Feb. 14, 2013, death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Per NBC News, Judge Thokozile Masipa said Thursday, after ruling out that Olympian's actions were premeditated, he could not be found guilty of the lesser charge of murder.

Judge Masipa will deliver her verdict on the charge of culpable homicide, which is similar to manslaughter, when the court returns from lunch.

Prior to adjourning, the judge told the courtroom, "The state has not proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of premeditated murder," adding, "There are not enough facts."

"Clearly he did not subjectively foresee this as a possibility that he would kill the person behind the door, let alone the deceased as he thought she was in the bedroom," she added.

She did critize the 27-year-old South African athlete's testimony, calling him "evasive" and "not candid with the court." Per NBC News, Masipa said Pistorius "failed to listen carefully to questions put to him giving the impression that he was more worried about the impact his answers might cause."

Pistorius, a double amputee, was nicknamed "Blade Runner" for the prosthetic limbs he used while racing. His defense lawyers have argued he shot and killed Steenkamp, 29, believing she was an intruder, while the state argued he shot her intentionally.

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