A panel of mental health experts has concluded that Olympian Oscar Pistorius, 27, was not mentally ill when he killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his home last year, the trial's chief prosecutor said Monday morning.
The panel's reports were submitted to Judge Thokozile Masipa, resuming Pistorius' trial after a month-long break. The panel, which included a psychologist and three psychiatrists, spent the last month assessing whether Pistorius "understood the wrongfulness of his act" when he shot Steenkamp through a closed door, Time reports. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel noted that the panel believed Pistorius was capable of understanding the act.
The report comes after psychiatrist Dr. Merryl Vorster, who testified in Pistorius' defense, argued that his anxiety disorder could have been a factor in the killing. Pistorius testified that he opened fire when he thought there was an intruder in his bathroom. Pistorius was evaluated at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, as an outpatient, and he has been living with his uncle.
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If found guilty of premeditated murder, Pistorius could face 25 years to life in prison. He is currently free on bail.
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