South African Judge Thokozile Masipa has ruled out murder charges for but could still find Paralympian Oscar Pistorious guilty of culpable homicide (manslaughter).
The Olympic double-amputee sprinter would have faced 25 years in jail if found guilty of premeditated murder at the court in Pretoria. He denies intentionally killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day last year, saying he thought there was an intruder.
Mr Pistorius has pleaded not guilty to all the charges he faces, including two counts of shooting a firearm in public and the illegal possession of ammunition.
Judge Thokozile Masipa said prosecutors had not proved he meant to kill Ms Steenkamp, prompting tears from the Olympic sprinter.
I am of the view that the accused acted too hastily, and used excessive force,” she said. “In the second census, it is clear that his conduct was negligent.
But she said he acted hastily and had been negligent. The judge said a reasonable person would not have fired.
“I am of the view that the accused acted too hastily, and used excessive force,” she said. “In the second census, it is clear that his conduct was negligent.”
Judge Masipa had been speaking for several hours when she abruptly adjourned proceedings and said she would reconvene at 9.30am Friday local time.
She is expected to deliver a verdict of culpable homicide, or manslaughter, but has not yet spelled it out.