Defence team closes case in Pistorius murder trial

PRETORIA (Reuters) – Oscar Pistorius' defence team wrapped up its case in the murder trial of the Olympic and Paralympic athlete on Tuesday and the court adjourned for a month to allow the legal teams to prepare and submit their closing arguments.

Pistorius, who had his lower-legs amputated as a baby, could face life in prison if he is found guilty of murdering his law graduate and model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, whom he shot and killed at his home in Pretoria on Valentine's Day last year.

The 27-year-old athlete, known as 'Blade Runner' because of the carbon-fibre prosthetics he uses on the track, says he killed Steenkamp in a tragic accident, shooting at what he thought was an intruder hiding behind a locked toilet door.

The state alleges he killed in a fit of rage after an argument.