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Oscar Pistorius Takes Stand As Trial Resumes

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — After a week long hiatus, the murder trial of South African double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius resumed on Monday.  And in the courtroom, he took the stand to testify.

But before he testified in court Monday, Pistorius took some time to apologize to the family of Reeva Steenkamp.

“I would like to take this opportunity  apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Steenkamp, to Reeva’s family,” a tearful Pistorius said according to reports. “To those of you who knew her who are in court today.”

Pistorius went on in detail about having nightmares since the shooting, saying he could still smell his girlfriend’s blood and is haunted by what happened.

Taking the stand means Pistorius will face cross examination, with expected questions regarding the relationship between him and Steenkamp, including an incident where she once told him “I’m scared of you sometimes.”

While the trail is being televised in South Africa, Pistorius asked for his testimony not to be seen. After his testimony, the judge excused court proceedings for the day, giving the sleepless Olympian a break from testifying.

Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013 and is being tried for first degree murder. The defense claims the shooting was an accident, and without his prosthetic legs, felt vulnerable that an intruder was breaking in. If convicted, he will face a life sentence.

 

 

Follow Brandon Boles on Twitter: @BrandonBoles

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(Photo Credit: Theana Breugem/Getty Images)

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