Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide, or negligent killing, in the death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentines Day 2013. Pistorius was acquitted on two murder charges. Also facing separate firearm charges, the double-amputee was found guilty of firing a pistol in a crowded restaurant and acquitted of two other charges.

The culpable homicide conviction carries a potential jail sentence of 15 years or a custodial sentence without prison time. He will be sentenced at another time after mitigation and appeals.

“Mr. Pistorius, please stand up,” Judge Thokozile Masipa said as he was asked to listen to his final verdict. 

“The unanimous decision of this court is the following,” Masipa said. “The accused is found not guilty and is discharged (of murder) instead he is found of guilty of culpable homicide.”

Pistorius did not shed tears as he listened to his verdict. He kept his heads straight, blinked and continued to listen to Masipa until asked to sit. On Thursday, Pistorius wept upon being cleared over two murder charges. 

Listen to the verdict here (Courtesy Primedia Broadcasting/Eyewitness News):

Barry Steenkamp, Reeva’s father, leant forward in his seat as he listened to the verdict. Her friends and mother wept. 

Charge 2 - Pistorius was ACQUITTED of firing his gun through the sun roof of a car after being stopped by police for speeding. 

Charge 3 - The Olympian was found GUILTY of firing a gun in a restaurant. To judge Masipa it did not matter whether Pistorius intended to fire, but he was negligent in allowing the gun to be discharged in public. This charge carries a possible prison sentence of five years. 

Ammunition Charge - Pistorius did not have a license for .38 caliber ammunition. He admitted the bullets were found in his house, but claimed he was holding them for his father. Masipa ruled the state failed to prove Pistorius had necessary intent by having access to the ammunition. He was found NOT GUILTY. 

(Pistorius’ friend, Darren Fresco, was granted indemnity in exchange for his testimony on being present with the athlete for the public firearm incidents. The judge pronounced him a “dishonest witness”) 

The verdicts come just one day after Masipa stunned many by declaring that Pistorius was not guilty of premeditated murder.

Pistorius has no prior convictions and the fact will be considered upon the sentencing process. He also spent a lot of his assets to pay for his legal defense representation in court. Nike, Oakley and several sponsors suspended his contract after the shooting. 

After a short break, the defense returned and asked to allow Pistorius to remain free on bail until the sentencing. The state argued the runer should be sent to prison immediately and is a greater flight risk after selling a few homes in South Africa. A report also showed that Pistorius could be mentally unstable and a suicide threat. 

He was previously staying with uncle. 

The trial has spanned over six months with Pistorius’ defense arguing he did not have any intent of killing Steenkamp and mistook her for a home intruder. 

UPDATE: Statement by the International Paralympic Committee (via Eyewitness News Sport)

"Following today's verdict, our thoughts remain with all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy, In particular the friends and family of Reeva Steenkamp who sadly lost her life in this incident. Throughout this case, the IPC has stressed the importance of differentiating between Oscar's contribution to the Paralympic Movement and his private life. As a sports organisation, it would be unwise for the IPC to comment on the conclusion of a court case that is not related to sport."

Chris Chavez is a writer at Flotrack and marathon analyst for ESPN. 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.