REUTERS
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius was one of the most inspirational athletes in the 2012 London Olympics.
South African track star Oscar Pistorius — who became an Olympic legend by becoming the first person to race on prosthetic legs — was arrested on murder charges in the shooting death of his girlfriend, stunning model Reeva Steenkamp, police said.
"FHM" cover model Reeva Steenkamp died in the shooting, her talent management firm told the Associated Press.
AP
Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp attend an awards ceremony in 2012.
Pistorius apparently shot his girlfriend in the head and arm, although the circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear, Johannesburg’s Talk Radio 702 reported. He may have mistaken her for a burglar.
Steenkamp hinted at a Valentine's Day surprise on Twitter the day before her death, writing "What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow???"
Steenkamp, 30, had beauty and brains - she studied law before becoming a swimsuit model and a spokesmodel for Avon cosmetics. She also filmed episodes for the reality TV show "Tropika Island of Treasure."
Show producers posted a statement online after news of Steenkamp's death spread.
"We are deeply saddened and extend our condolences to Reeva's family and friends," the statement reads.
Getty Images
Reeva Steenkamp studied law before becoming a swimsuit model.
Pistorius, 26, is expected to appear in court today.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Denise Beukes said the murder suspect was undergoing blood alcohol and forensic tests and had made a request to be brought to court immediately.
Police are opposing any bail application by Pistorius. Beukes said there had been "previous incidents" at Pistorius' home.
EPA/STR
South African police vehicles near the scene of Thursday's fatal shooting.
The track icon, who races wearing carbon fiber prosthetic blades after he was born without a fibula in both legs, was the first double amputee to run in the Olympics and reached the semifinals of the 400 meters in the 2012 London Games.
Known by the nickname “Blade Runner,” Pistorius was one of the most heart-warming stories of the London Olympics.
South Africa has some of the world’s highest rates of violent crime and some home-owners carry weapons to defend themselves against intruders.
AP and Reuters contributed to this report
Track star Oscar Pistorius charged with murder in model girlfriend's shooting death: police
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Track star Oscar Pistorius charged with murder in model girlfriend's shooting death: police
