Oscar Pistorius Sentenced for Murder

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) _ Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced in Pretoria, South Africa, to six years in prison for the murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013.

Some observers are already criticizing the sentence as too lenient.  The judge in Pretoria called the double-amputee a “fallen hero.”  South Africa’s minimum sentence for murder is 15 years but the judge said “substantial and compelling circumstances” existed to give Pistorius a lesser sentence.

The Olympic double-amputee runner will be eligible for parole after three years.

Prosecutors can appeal for a heavier sentence.