Prosecutors seek to charge Pistorius with premeditated murder

PRETORIA, South Africa — A statement from the family of Oscar Pistorius and his management says they dispute "in the strongest terms" the claim that he murdered his girlfriend.

The statement was issued Friday after the double-amputee Olympian wept in court when prosecutors said they would pursue a charge of premeditated murder against him for the Valentine's Day killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

The statement, issued from London, said: "The alleged murder is disputed in the strongest terms." It also said that Pistorius "would like to send his deepest sympathies to the family of Reeva."

Pistorius was formally charged at Pretoria Magistrate's Court with one count of murder after his Steenkamp, a model and budding reality TV show participant, was shot multiple times and killed at Pistorius' upscale home in the predawn hours of Thursday.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel said Friday in court it was premeditated murder, indicating the prosecution would file that more serious charge, upgraded from murder.

The double-amputee athlete's arrest and murder charge had already left South Africa stunned after the blonde-haired model's shooting death at Pistorius' house in a gated community in an eastern suburb of the South African capital, Pretoria.

Those who knew Pistorius, including a former girlfriend, aired their views on social media.

Trish Taylor, mother of Pistorius' ex-girlfriend Samantha Taylor, wrote on Facebook: "I'm so glad Sammy is safe and out of the clutches of that man."

But another ex-girlfriend, Jenna Edkins, defended the athlete Tuesday on Twitter.

"All I am saying is let him speak, let his side be heard without jumping to conclusions," tweeted Jenna Edkins, one of Pistorius' former girlfriends. She offered "love and support" to the Pistorius family and tweeted: "I have dated Oscar on and off for 5 YEARS, NOT ONCE has he EVER lifted a finger to me or made me fear for my life."

Prosecutors said Friday that they would argue the history-making Olympic athlete — the first amputee to run at the games — had planned Steenkamp's killing. That proclamation stunned many South Africans as their national hero and a global role model for people in overcoming adversity was set to face accusations that he intentionally gunned down his girlfriend.

South Africa's tabloid Citizen newspaper had the headline "Blade gunner?" Friday morning, playing on double-amputee athlete Pistorius' well-known nickname of "Blade Runner" because of his carbon fiber running blades.

Pistorius stood with his face in his hands as he broke down in tears on his first appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates' Court. Chief Magistrate Desmond Nasir delayed Pistorius' bail hearing until next Tuesday and Wednesday and ruled that the 26-year-old Pistorius would be held at a police station in Pretoria until then. Police have said they oppose the granting of bail.

Pistorius had solemnly entered the court wearing a gray suit and blue tie and initially appeared composed. When he broke down in tears, his brother, Carl, reached out a hand and placed it on his shoulder. Pistorius' father, Henke, was in the court as was sister Aimee.

The hot courtroom that was jammed with more than 100 people, including numerous local and international journalists but Nasir ruled that no recordings of court proceedings would be allowed in the case.

Police said Friday an autopsy on the body of the victim was also taking place. Lt. Col. Katlego Mogale said the results of the autopsy would not be published.

Pistorius earlier left a police station, his jacket completely covering his head as he got into a police vehicle. He was holding what appeared to be a white handkerchief in one hand as he was led by officers to a police van outside the Boschkop Police Station in eastern Pretoria, where he had been questioned on Thursday and had spent the night in custody.

A policeman was also seen carrying a handgun in a plastic forensic bag outside the Boschkop station. It was believed to be the weapon used to shoot and kill Steenkamp.

Police said the victim was shot four times at Pistorius' villa in a gated community. Officers found a 9 mm pistol inside the home.

Pistorius made history at the London Olympics last year when he became the first double-amputee track athlete to compete at any games. He didn't win a medal but did make the semifinals of the 400 meters and the final of the 4X400 relay, propelling the world's best-known Paralympian to the level of an international track star and one of the world's best-known sportsmen.

But police hinted at a troubled lifestyle away from public scrutiny for the runner Thursday when they said there had previously been domestic incidents at Pistorius' home.

AP Sports Writer Imray reported from Johannesburg. Associated Press writer Michelle Faul contributed to this story

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