Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been released on bail despite being found guilty of the manslaughter of his girlfriend early Friday morning.
As the shamed sprinter stood patiently in the dock, his hands folded in front of him, Judge Thokozile Masipa convicted him of culpable homicide after he shot Reeva Steenkamp dead at his home, reported the Daily Mail.
Pistorius could now face a prison stint of up to 15 years, but might walk free with a suspended term when he is sentenced at a later date.
For now, he is free to walk out of court until sentencing
For now, he is free to walk out of court until sentencing
Judge Masipa told the hushed courtroom: "Having regard to the totality of this evidence in this matter, the unanimous decision of this court is the following: on count one, murder... the accused found not guilty and is discharged.
"Instead he is found guilty of culpable homicide."
Steenkamp's father Barry leaned forward in his seat when the manslaughter verdict was read, while her mother, June, showed no reaction.
Meanwhile, members of Pistorius's family embraced the once idolized runner.
The athlete known as Blade Runner was also found guilty of firing a gun in a crowded restaurant months before the shooting, but acquitted of two other counts — of discharging a firearm through a car sunroof and illegally possessing ammunition.
Only a day before, Pistorius broke down in tears as he was dramatically found not guilty of pre-meditated murder and a lesser murder charge.
Nathi Mncube, for the National Prosecuting Authority, said they were "disappointed" Pistorius was convicted of only two charges.
He said prosecutors would decide whether to appeal after sentencing.
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