Oscar Pistorius trial delayed

Oscar Pistorius trial delayed

Mar 28, 2014 by Christopher Chavez
Oscar Pistorius trial delayed

The Oscar Pistorius Trial has been postponed until April 7 as one of two assessors in the case was hospitalized. The defense team was ready to possibly have the South African Olympian testify to open their argument against the state. 

Pistorius faces 15 years in jail, if found guilty of premeditated murder in the death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentines Day 2013. Steenkamp was shot through a bathroom door in the early hours of Feb. 14 as Pistorius claims he mistook her for a home invader. 

The defense team will have to convince the assessors that Pistorius did not know Steenkamp was behind the door and that he acted as any reasonable person would have to a home invasion. 

Gerrie Nel and the prosecution team spent the last four weeks making their case that Pistorius killed her after a heated argument. Nel will most likely cross-examine Pistorius on the stand. The delay gives Pistorius and his team more time to prepare for the tough questions he may face from the prosecution. 

The assessors sit on both sides of the judge during the trial and will help judge Thokozile Masipa determine a verdict as the South African legal system does not operate with a jury.

Chris Chavez is a staff writer for Flotrack. He once beat Joey Fatone of NSYNC in a half-marathon. Feel free to to reach him with any questions, comments, or feedback on Twitter or by email.