Oscar Pistorius murder trial resumes, defense opens case with pathologist testimony

Published January 08, 2015

The defense in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial has opened its case, calling a pathologist as its first witness.

Prof. Jan Botha was testifying Monday following four weeks of prosecution-led testimony and a week's adjournment after one of the judge's aides fell ill.

Botha was allowed to testify first and ahead of Pistorius in an agreement with prosecutors because of a family illness. Defendants who choose to testify normally go first in South Africa.

Pistorius is expected to testify after Botha and explain his version that he shot and killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp by mistake on Valentine's Day last year thinking she was an intruder in his home. The double-amputee athlete is charged with premeditated murder for the nighttime killing and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

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https://www.foxnews.com/world/oscar-pistorius-murder-trial-resumes-defense-opens-case-with-pathologist-testimony