Oscar Pistorius 'carried his dying girlfriend downstairs and tried to resuscitate her as he desperately attempted to save her life' it was claimed today.
The 26-year-old allegedly cradled Reeva Steenkamp, who he allegedly shot four times, as he tried to stop her dying, performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the 29-year-old.
It was reported that she was still breathing when paramedics and security guards rushed to the house.
But paramedics were unable to revive her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Too much to bear: Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius weeps in the dock as he is formally charged with the murder of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at Pretoria Magistrates' Court this morning
Charged: The 26-year-old is accused of killing of FHM cover girl Reeva Steenkamp, 29, whose name was officially revealed for the first time at the hearing, in the early hours of Valentine's Day
Sources told Beeld, the Afrikaans language newspaper, that security guards heard the shots and rushed to the house, where they saw the Paralympic gold medalist running down the stairs with the law graduate in his arms.
The athlete is said to be on suicide watch due to fears the blade runner might take his own life over charges for the ‘pre-planned’ murder of his model girlfriend, it emerged last night.
Pitorius, who wept in the dock yesterday after being charged with shooting dead law graduate Reeva Steenkamp, 29, on Valentine's Day, is being held at Brooklyn Police Station prison in Pretoria.
A source said: 'Oscar is innocent but he feels as though he has descended into hell. He is absolutely devastated and struggling to deal with his emotions.
The source told The Sun: 'He's been given a cell to himself at the police station but there are criminals in cells around him and he doesn't belong there. There are police concerns over his mental state.'
At his hearing earlier yesterday Pistorius remained silent during the 40 minute hearing but his family and management issued a joint statement insisting: ‘The alleged murder is disputed in the strongest possible terms.’
Overcome with emotion: The double amputee bows his head in his hands after prosecutors tell the court they may upgrade the charge to pre-meditated murder, an offence that carries a mandatory life term
Brooklyn Police Station, where Oscar Pistorius is said to be on suicide watch. He will remain in custody until Tuesday when he has a bail hearing
It was reported yesterday that the model had been hit four times by bullets fired through the door of a bathroom at the luxury complex on the outskirts of Pretoria where Pistorius, a keen marksman, kept a pistol and machine gun.
Miss Steenkamp, who had only been going out with the Paralympic champion since November, is said to have been hit in the head, chest, pelvis and hand.
The Afrikaans-language Beeld newspaper said: ‘The security guards found Pistorius by Steenkamp’s body in the bathroom,’ and quoted a neighbour as saying: ‘The door had bullet holes right through it.’
A 9mm pistol said to have been owned by the sporting superstar was seen in a plastic exhibits bag being carried by police officers investigating the killing which has shocked the world.
There were gasps from some of the 100 people crowded into Courtroom C of the Magistrates Court as Pistorius stood with head bowed in front of Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair to the hear the murder charge read out, then started weeping, covering his face with his hands.
‘Take it easy,’ Mr Nair told him. ‘Come take a seat.’
VIDEO: 'We strongly refute pre-meditated murder charge' says Pistorius' uncle
Support: Pistorius's father, Henke, reaches out to his son after his emotional court appearance
Difficult time: Henke Pistorius talks to Pistorius's sister Aimee (right) during the court hearing
Keeping in the loop: Henke Pistorius talks on a cellphone. The family later said Pistorius denied the charge in the 'strongest terms'
THE VALENTINE'S DAY SPEECH MISS STEENKAMP NEVER GOT TO MAKE
Reeva Steenkamp was due to make a heartfelt Valentine's Day speech to schoolchildren just hours after she was gunned down at the Paralympian's home.
The FHM cover girl, 29, was expected to tell pupils that she had previously been in an abusive relationship.
She was due to reveal that it had been this relationship - and the resultant 'loss of self worth' - which prompted her to move to Johannesburg to rebuild her life.
In a somewhat cryptic message, she was due to warn the secondary school pupils in Johannesburg: 'No matter how many people say that they "love" you, if you do not love your person then you will never step outside of the physical you.
'The physical you can only do so much if your mental you is lost inside of all the confusion.'
She said it 'took some serious soul searching to remind myself of my value in this world.'
She said she enjoyed a 'blessed and privileged' upbringing on a small farm outside Cape Town, but later met a man who was abusive, which she suggests was caused because his 'mother was abusive to him'.
However, she does not reveal any further details.
She intended to finish her talk by telling them: 'Go home and tell your parents, siblings, neighbours that they are appreciated.
'You will go to bed with a happy heart and open mind for the future.'
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the Pretoria court they would argue the shooting of Miss Steenkamp, a former TV presenter, in the early hours of Thursday was premeditated.
They will tell the court that neighbours heard screaming and shouting from the mansion on the high security Silver Lakes Estate - there had been no robberies there for the past five years - followed by a shot.
Mention of the word ‘pre-meditated’ caused Pistorius to slump forward and he could be seen to be breathing heavily through his hands.
Lawyers for Pistorius, who in London last year became the first athlete to compete at both an Olympic and Paralympic Games, are said to be preparing to argue the shooting was a tragic accident.
If found guilty of premeditated murder, the man seen worldwide as an inspiration and in his homeland as a sporting icon faces an automatic life sentence. He would not be eligible to be considered for parole until he is aged 51.
Police have dismissed initial claims that the multi-millionaire athlete had mistakenly shot his girlfriend believing she was an intruder.
Pistorius, who was dressed in a grey suit and blue tie, had been expected to apply for bail, but this has been postponed until Tuesday after the defence and prosecution agreed to allow more time for this to be heard.
He will be held in custody at Brooklyn Prison in Pretoria, next door to the firearms registration centre, until then.
He said nothing during the 40-minute hearing. His father, Henke, sister Aimee and brother, Carl, sat directly behind him in the packed court-room, occasionally leaning forward to give him a supportive pat on the shoulder.
As the double-amputee athlete began to weep, Carl Pistorius lent forward and laid a hand on his brother, squeezing him slightly.
His family later issued a staunch denial of the allegation.
They said: ‘Firstly, and most importantly, all our thoughts today must be with the family and friends of Reeva Steenkamp.
‘Oscar Pistorius has made history as an Olympic and Paralympic sportsman and has been an inspiration to others the world over.
‘He has made it very clear that he would like to send his deepest sympathies to the family of Reeva.
‘He would also like to express his thanks through us for all the messages of support he has received - but as stated our thoughts and prayers today should be for Reeva and her family, regardless of the circumstances of this terrible, terrible tragedy.’
INSIDE COURT Pistorius case adjourned. Paralympian in custody
In despair: Pistorius's defence lawyer said the Paralympian is in a 'traumatised state of mind'
Accused: Pistorius is escorted by police into the dock during his court appearance in Pretoria
Worldwide attention: The hearing came after a two-hour delay while Pistorius's lawyers objected to the scrum of reporters that packed into the courtroom
Police said an autopsy on the body of the victim was also taking place, but that its results would not be published.
Forensic experts yesterday continued to examine the scene of the shooting, sealing off the athlete’s house.
A policeman was seen carrying a handgun in a plastic forensic bag outside the Boschkop police station. It was believed to be the weapon used to shoot and kill Miss Steenkamp.
South African media focused on Miss Steenkamp’s killing, relegating a State of the Nation address by President Jacob Zuma in parliament to a distant second.
The coverage reflected shock and dismay at the fall of a sporting legend who commanded rare respect on all sides of the racial divides that persist in Nelson Mandela’s ‘Rainbow Nation’ 19 years after the end of apartheid.
‘Golden Boy Loses Shine’ ran a front page headline in the Sowetan, beside a picture of Pistorius, head bowed in a grey hooded tracksuit being led away from a police station.
Keeping him calm: Chief magistrate Desmond Nair (left) told Pistorius: 'Take it easy. Come take a seat'
Postponed: The bail hearing was adjourned until next week, with police expected to oppose the application
A reality television programme which features Miss Steenkamp will be aired on Saturday as scheduled.
The Tropika Island of Treasure show sees Reeva Steenkamp compete alongside seven South African celebrities and seven other contestants to win a prize of one million rand prize (£72,500).
The programme's website issued a message saying: 'We are deeply saddened and extend our condolences to Reeva's family and friends.'
Executive producer Samantha Moon told the BBC: 'As we grieve today with Reeva's family and friends and struggle to make sense of this shocking tragedy, it has taken much deliberation to come to the decision to continue screening Tropika Island of Treasure 5 as planned.'
The show asks contestants to describe themselves in three words. Miss Steenkamp said: 'Brainy, blonde, bombshell'.
A tribute will be aired ahead of the reality show, on SABC1 at 4:30pm UK time.
Lethal weapon: A police officer holds a gun allegedly used in the shooting of Miss Steenkamp outside the Boschkop police station, east of Pretoria
Charged: Oscar Pistorius covers his face with a jacket as he leaves Boshkop police station ahead of his court appearance in Pretoria this morning accused of murdering his model girlfriend
Those who knew Pistorius, including a former girlfriend, also weighed in on social media.
Trish Taylor, mother of Pistorius' ex-girlfriend Samantha Taylor, wrote on Facebook: 'I'm so glad Sammy is safe and out of the clutches of that man.'
But another ex-girlfriend, Jenna Edkins, defended Pistorius in messages Friday on Twitter.
'All I am saying is let him speak, let his side be heard without jumping to conclusions,' Edkins wrote.
She offered 'love and support' to the Pistorius family and wrote: 'I have dated Oscar on and off for 5 YEARS, NOT ONCE has he EVER lifted a finger to me or made me fear for my life.'
Meanwhile, police said today that an autopsy on the body of the victim was taking place. Lt Col Katlego Mogale said the results of the autopsy would not be published.
The court opened at just before 7am GMT today, as he arrived.
Arrival: Star athlete Oscar Pistorius enters Pretoria Magistrates Court this morning as paper is used to cover the windows of the police car to prevent photos of the murder suspect being taken
Accusations: Pistorius was arrested yesterday morning after Miss Steenkamp was found dead in his Pretoria mansion after being shot four times at 4am yesterday
Show of support: A family friend hugs the Paralympian's brother Carl ahead of the athlete's court appearance
He was seen coming out of the police station where he had been held overnight covering his face with the jacket of his suit.
Henke and Carl Pistorius hugged each other in a show of solidarity before following the police escort that took the double amputee to the courthouse. Both looked tired and strained.
Pistorius was swept into the courthouse, hidden in the back of a police car, which had its windows blocked with paper to prevent anyone seeing the alleged murderer's face.
Pistorius had initially been expected to appear in court yesterday, but the hearing was postponed to allow forensics more time to study his mansion.
As he awaited his hearing, the Afrikaans-language Beeld newspaper claimed Miss Steenkamp had been shot four times, in the head, chest, pelvis and hand through the bathroom door.
Murder suspect: Olympic and Paralympic star Reeva Steenkamp, 29, who was shot dead yesterday. The runner is due in court today
Last photo: Oscar Pistorius and girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp pose for a picture in Johannesburg last Thursday. He has been charged with shooting her dead in the early hours of yesterday morning
Ominous: The Paralympic sprinter posted this message on Twitter on November 27
Police said an application for bail by Pistorius's lawyer Kenny Oldwage would be opposed when he appears in court.
Dressed in a grey hooded jacket, tracksuit trousers and trainers, Pistorius, 26, walked with head bowed from the Boschkop police station yesterday before being taken to Pretoria's Mamelodi Day Hospital in a police convoy.
Brig Beukes said the medical examination was 'standard procedure'.
Pistorius's spokesman, from the Fast Track agency in London, said he was 'assisting the police with their investigations' but no further comment could be made until matters became clearer.
Initial rumours suggested the shooting may have been a Valentine's Day surprise gone wrong.
The couple had only been going out since November.
Miss Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, tweeted the day before Valentine's Day: 'What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow??? #getexcited #ValentinesDay.'
Pistorius appeared to have serious concerns about his safety and was said to sleep with a revolver by his side.
Charged: Pistorius leaves the Boschkop police station in Pretoria before going to court
Star: Oscar Pistorius was arrested yesterday morning accused of having shot his girlfriend in the head and arm, killing her
The paper, which carried the headline 'Death behind a door', quotes unnamed residents who say they had spoken to security guards at his gated complex.
'The security guards found Pistorius by Steenkamp's body in the bathroom,' the paper said on its website, citing a neighbour who claimed: 'The door had bullet holes right through it.'
It is not clear whether the door was locked at the time of the shooting.
Initial reports suggested the model may have been mistaken for a burglar, but Brigadier Denise Beukes later said police were 'very surprised' by that suggestion, adding: 'These allegations did not come from us.'
There had been previous incidents of a 'domestic nature' at the property on the exclusive, gated Silver Lakes Golf Estate in the South African capital Pretoria, she added.
Beauty: A modelling photo used in Reeva Steenkamp's portfolio. Mr Taylor said that she 'touched many lives and was headed for stardom'
Message: Reeva went on to Twitter to say how excited she was about Valentine's Day
A 9mm pistol was recovered and, according to unconfirmed reports, four shots were fired.
Police spokeswoman Lt Col Katlego Mogale said: 'Paramedics declared the woman dead on the scene and police proceeded with their investigation.
'The woman sustained wounds to her head and the upper body.'
A journalist from the Daily Mail interviewed him last summer and noted: 'This being South Africa, one baseball bat and one cricket bat lie behind Pistorius's bedroom door.
'A revolver is at his bedside. A machine gun by his window.'
The athlete made history at the London 2012 Olympics becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete in the able-bodied Games, running in the 400m and 4x400m relay.
The star was born without fibulas and underwent below-the-knee amputations at just 11 months old.
Home: Neighbours of the athlete say they heard noise from the house (pictured yesterday) just before the authorities arrived
Investigation: South African police vehicles enter the Silver Woods security estate in Pretoria East where Oscar Pistorius, allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
He had to win a legal battle over his blades with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in 2008 for the right to compete in able-bodied competition.
Pistorius's father said his son was 'sad' following the shooting.
Henke Pistorius told SABC radio news: 'I don't know the facts. If anyone makes a statement, it will have to be Oscar. He's sad at the moment.'
The couple were dubbed the Posh and Becks of South Africa.
On her Twitter biography, Miss Steenkamp described herself as a 'Model, Cover Girl, Tropika Island Of Treasure Celeb Contestant, Law Graduate, Child of God'.
Tropika island Of Treasure is a TV show she was due to appear on this weekend.
Miss Steenkamp's publicist Sarit Tomlinson paid tribute to her, saying she was 'the sweetest human being and an absolute angel on earth'.
She added: 'She was the kindest, most unbelievable girl.'
Advert: An image on Pistorius's website for his sponsor Nike, linked to his love of shooting, has been removed
Adverts for television coverage of the Oscars featuring Oscar Pistorius were seen being pulled down in Johannesburg
Workmen move quickly to replace the roadside posters in the South Africa city
She told Sky News: 'It's shocking. No one knows what happened. We're waiting for information.
'There are people we are waiting to speak to, to validate some of the stories.'
Asked about Miss Steenkamp's relationship with Pistorius, Ms Tomlinson said: 'They had been together for a couple of months and it's been a fabulous relationship - a healthy, fabulous relationship.'
Miss Steenkamp's friend Mashadi Motsogi broke down in tears.
The distressed model said she heard the news of Miss Steenkamp's death on Twitter.
'I have lost a friend,' she said, telling reporters that Miss Steenkamp's death in a secure complex did not make sense.
'Look, security here is safe. We moved to this area for security reasons. It does not make sense to me that my friend was shot, mistaken for an intruder.'
Scene: Police were called to Oscar's home, pictured, at 4am where a 29-year-old woman was treated by paramedics but died there
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