Oscar Pistorius is expected to find out Friday the verdict in connection with the shooting death of his girlfriend on Valentine's Day 2013.



Judge Thokozile Masipa on Thursday ruled out a murder conviction for the double-amputee Olympian, premeditated or otherwise, in the shooting death of 29-year-old Reeva Steenkamp.


There remains the possibility Pistorius will be convicted of culpable homicide on Friday in Pretoria, South Africa. He could be sent to jail for a maximum of 15 years if convicted of culpable homicide, which is the killing of someone through reckless or negligent behaviour. Although five years in prison is a guideline when a firearm is used.



Pistorius, who also faces three charges relating to illegal use of weapons and ammunition, has the right to appeal any verdict.


The 27-year-old became the first double amputee to compete in athletics at an Olympic Games in London in 2012. He has won six gold medals and eight medals overall at the Paralympics, dating back to 2004.



With files from The Associated Press