Pistorius Polarisation

[princerupe74]

i can't recall another case where, from the outset, people for and against the accused have publicly claimed such opposing accounts of what happened. It seems that every few hours someone from one side or the other comes out with an explanation to try and sway opinion as to whether Pistorius did or didn't kill his girlfriend. The media will lap up anything about the case because it is sensational, it features a high-profile celebrity, and most importantly to them it features a beautiful young girl - the greatest obsession of the media today. Both the coverage and the counter claims are so totally distasteful considering the girl is dead. Her hideous demise and its effects on her loved ones appears completely overlooked as the media milks the case for all its worth and Pistorius' friends and foes focus on clearing or blackening his name before a court can decide. Your thoughts?

[ummmm]

//But most domestics end up with a sulky silence ... rather than being shot in the head. //

Most people do not have guns.

[joggerjayne]

There's currently no evidence of a "blind fit of rage"

Are we already trying to imagine scenarios which would make him guilty?

[joggerjayne]

//Most people do not have guns//

Even if they did, I'm not sure that many people would use them to shoot their other half when they had a row.

Hmm. Having said that, there were times with my ex ...

[Mattk]

If you think about the scenario, would it have been an instant reaction to someone entering your house? I think no.

You hear the noise then go and get your gun then return to fire the gun. You live in a patroled estate so surely your first reaction is to ring the patrol or to shout to the intruder some form of warning?

Innocent until proven guilty sure but I fear that the latter is true here.

[Mick-Talbot]

Are we already trying to imagine scenarios which would make him guilty?


Are you not trying to imagine scenarios which would make him not guilty?





For the time being, I'm finding it hard to believe that Oscar would willfully kill his girlfriend in his own house


You know him well then do you?
Met him running the Brighton marathon?

[Brinjal]

Everybody in south Africa has a gun. It's not uncommon at all.

[joggerjayne]

Isn't the point that he is still innocent ... so we are allowed to consider scenarios that support his innocence?

[Mick-Talbot]

Apparently only around 12% have guns , brinjal.

[Mick-Talbot]

Do you think he was the one who shot the gun JJ?

[Mattk]

"Are we already trying to imagine scenarios which would make him guilty?

Are you not trying to imagine scenarios which would make him not guilty?"


Lets hear a 'not guilty' scenario because I struggle to see one.

[joggerjayne]

It sounds like he fired the gun.

[joggerjayne]

//Lets hear a 'not guilty' scenario because I struggle to see one//

I struggle too, but that doesn't mean there isn't one.

[Prudie]

The undisputed fact is he shot her so he's guilty. It's why he did it that's unknown. I'd expect there to be more of this kind of incident in the UK if we had a gun culture such as US for example.

[Mick-Talbot]

So where did he think his girlfriend was when firing the gun?
Under the bed hiding?
fighting off the burglar with the rolling pin?

[murraymints]

Sounds as if they were having a barney...she locks herself in bathroom, he, in a fit of rage, chemically enhanced or otherwise,.shoots blindly through the door....???

[joggerjayne]

You've all persuaded me he's guilty.

[DTCwordfan]

Matt that's easy.

First the "only 12 per cent of folk have guns". You need to adjust that figure as it is meaningless, South Africa is not the US in per capita wealth and its distribution. What is the percentage in folk with incomes above $15k equivalent?

The scenario, robbery is common in wealthier areas, ok OP lived in an estate but are you guaranteed that you are protected when it comes to a bit of corruption or push and shove of the security guards, no you are not. So I bet most of his fellow residents carry arms.

In his case with his fame, OP could easily have received several death threats or others ré robbery etc, so he was naturally wary. So tee up the surprise entry story that has been mooted...... Other circumstantial evidence, the statement that has come from his ex gf that she is totally shocked by it and that he wouldn't hurt a fly.

I am on the fence on this one and think we should all be - we are not in possession of all the evidence and it will be down to the judge and court. As JJ has said, it could well be that there is some character assassination going onto - the SA police are not known to be the straightest in the world, after all.

[murraymints]

Jj...looks like it unfortunately.....I get the impression he is a bit of a demanding diva...his way or no way..? Sad.....but sadder for her....end of career I suspect...

[Mick-Talbot]

I doubt that but you haven't persuaded me he is innocent.

His defense would have to be built on him being a bit stupid and scared.

[joggerjayne]

//His defense would have to be built on him being a bit stupid and scared//

Tah Daaah !