PRETORIA, South Africa - The family of model Reeva Steenkamp slammed a judge's decision to acquit Oscar Pistorius of murdering their daughter, telling NBC News that "justice was not served." Pistorius walked out of court on bail Friday after he was convicted of culpable homicide but cleared of a more serious murder charge. The double-amputee track star will be sentenced next month.
In an exclusive interview for NBC News, June and Barry Steenkamp expressed "disbelief" that the court believed Pistorius' version of events. "This verdict is not justice for Reeva," June Steenkamp said. "I just want the truth." Reeva died a "horrible, painful, terrible" death, she added, saying: "He shot through the door and I can't believe that they believe it was an accident." The charge of culpable homicide carries a minimum prison sentence of five years - though Pistorius could avoid jail time altogether if the judge converts his sentence into a house arrest with added conditions. The Steenkamps told NBC News that the outcome makes no difference, and the damage has been done. "I really don't care what happens to Oscar," June Steenkamp said. "It's not going to change anything because my daughter is never coming back. He's still living and breathing and she's gone, you know, forever."
In-Depth
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