REUTERS
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius was one of the most inspirational athletes in the 2012 London Olympics.
South African track star Oscar Pistorius — who became an Olympic legend by becoming the first person to race on prosthetic legs — was arrested on murder charges in the shooting death of his girlfriend, stunning model Reeva Steenkamp, police said.
"FHM" cover model Reeva Steenkamp died in the shooting, her talent management firm told the Associated Press.
Pistorius apparently shot his girlfriend in the head and arm, although the circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear, Johannesburg’s Talk Radio 702 reported. He may have mistaken her for a burglar.
AP
Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp attend an awards ceremony in 2012.
Steenkamp hinted at a Valentine's Day surprise on Twitter the day before her death, writing "What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow???"
Pistorius, 26, is expected to appear in court later today.
According to Sky News, South African police are opposing any bail application by Pistorius - and police said there have been previous incidents of "a domestic nature" reported at the home.
The track icon, who races wearing carbon fiber prosthetic blades after he was born without a fibula in both legs, was the first double amputee to run in the Olympics and reached the semifinals of the 400 meters in the 2012 London Games.
Known by the nickname “Blade Runner,” Pistorius was one of the most heart-warming stories of the London Olympics.
South Africa's Sports Confederation and Olympic committee released a statement saying they had been "inundated" with requests for comment, but were not in a position to give out any details of the shooting.
"SASCOC, like the rest of the public, knows no more than what is in the public domain, which is there has been an alleged fatal shooting on the basis of a mistaken identity and an apparent assumption of a burglary," the South African Olympic committee said. "The organization is in no position to comment on the incident other than to say our deepest sympathy and condolences have been expressed to the families of all concerned."
SACOC said it would be inappropriate to comment because of the ongoing police investigation.
South Africa has some of the world’s highest rates of violent crime and some home-owners carry weapons to defend themselves against intruders.
AP and Reuters contributed to this report
Track star Oscar Pistorius charged with murder in model girlfriend's shooting death
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Track star Oscar Pistorius charged with murder in model girlfriend's shooting death
