Steenkamp's father "relieved" after Pistorius found guilty of murder

ByEurosport

Updated 03/12/2015 at 10:43 GMT

The father of slain model Reeva Steenkamp said on Thursday he felt a sense of "relief" after South Africa's appeal court found that Oscar Pistorius was guilty of murdering Reeva, overturning the original lesser conviction of culpable homicide.

Reeva Steenkamp's parents, June (2nd R) and Barry Steenkamp (2nd L), arrive for the closing arguments of Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius' murder trial at the high court in Pretoria August 7, 2014. Pistorius is accused of killing his girlfriend Reeva

Image credit: Reuters

"It's a big relief. I feel it's a fair decision that the judge gave," Barry Steenkamp said in a brief interview on local television station ANN7, before breaking down in tears.

A South African journalist also tweeted a video of June Steenkamp after the verdict where she hugs members of the African National Congress Women’s League – who have supported her throughout the trial process by funding her travel and accommodation – and gave a slight smile.

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Steenkamp’s parents had been critical of the original trial. Brian, had told Channel Seven TV in Australia: "What actually came out in court is not the truth.

"He got angry, she went off to the toilet, locked herself inside, and then him pulling out the gun and shooting."

"Why didn't he just let her walk away?" June Steenkamp added at the time.