It's been exactly one year since South African Paralympic sprint star Oscar Pistorius shot and killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in what he says was an accident.
The 27-year-old double amputee marked the tragic anniversary by releasing an emotional statement on his website. (Via WHDH)
The note, simply signed "Oscar," read: "No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved - and continues to love Reeva. ... The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life." (Via OscarPistorius.com)
Pistorius also posted a link to the statement on his Twitter account. The tweet was the first time he's used his official account since Feb. 11, 2013 — just two days before the shooting. (Via Twitter /@OscarPistorius)
As his inactive Twitter account suggests, Pistorius has kept a low profile since he was released on bail last year.
According to The Guardian, he has been staying with his uncle and has since started "low-key" training again.
But he'll be forced back into the public eye March 3, when he's scheduled to stand trial for Steenkamp's death. (Via ITV)
"It was a shooting that shocked South Africa. The country's golden boy Olympian had killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, an up-and-coming model." (Via CNN)
To this day, Pistorius maintains Steenkamp's murder was a case of mistaken identity. He says he thought she was an intruder and shot and killed her through his bathroom door.
Just months before the shooting, the athlete, also known as the "Blade Runner," was on top of the world after winning three medals at the London 2012 Paralympics. And that same summer, he also became the first Paralympian to compete in the Olympics. (Via Daily Mail)
But after Feb. 14, 2013, all the media could focus on was Steenkamp's death and the premeditated murder charges against Pistorius. (Via CNN)
March 3 will be the first time Pistorius faces those charges in court. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.
