Oscar Pistorius Case: 'Bloody Cricket Bat' at Center of Murder Investigation
A blood-covered cricket bat is "the central piece of evidence" in the ongoing murder investigation involving Olympian Oscar Pistorius and his late girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp,who died on Feb. 24, according to The City Press.
The South African newspaper reported that a bloodied cricket bat was found at Pistorius' home and that it may have been used as a weapon to kill his girlfriend of four months, Steenkamp. Police are investigating several different scenarios in which the bat may have been used, including whether it was used against Steenkamp, if Pistorius used it to break down the bathroom door, or if Steenkamp used the bat to protect herself.
The paper also stated that Steenkamp's head had been "crushed," and forensic exams will be performed to determine whose blood is on the bat.
Police sources added that there were no signs of forced entry at the house and three sources "ruled out the possibility that Pistorius could have mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder," according to the publication.
When police searched Pistorius' bedroom they found Steenkamp's overnight bag and an iPad on the floor, and also a holster for a 9mm pistol on his side of the bed. Both Pistorius and Steenkamp' bedclothes were wrinkled and "It was clear that both of them had slept in the bed," said a police source.
A cartridge that was located in the bedroom had police believe Pistorius may have "chased" Steenkamp and fired a shot before she had the chance to lock herself in the bathroom.
"The suspicion is that the first shot, in the bedroom, hit her in the hip. She then ran and locked herself in the toilet. She was doubled over because of the pain. He fired three more shots. She probably covered her head, which is why the bullet also went through her hand," said a source.
The athlete reportedly phoned his father Henke Pistorius at 3.20 a.m. on Feb. 14 and asked him to come quickly to his house. When Henke and other family members arrived to the house, Oscar was reportedly carrying Steenkamp's body down the stairs. Her arms and head were "dangling," according to sources.
Oscar's agent, Peet van Zyl, confirmed that the athlete will not participate in his scheduled track appearances in the next few months. The cancelled races include two appearances in Australia, one in Brazil in March, one in the United States in April and one in Britain in May.
Oscar is due to appear in court on Tuesday, on the same day that there will be a memorial service for Steenkamp.
