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Oscar Pistorius, Double Amputee Olympic Sprinter, Charged in Murder, Shooting of Girlfriend

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Oscar Pistorius of South Africa crosses the line to win gold for this team in the Men's 4x100m relay T42/T46 Final on day 7 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 5, 2012 in London, England.

Valentine’s Day nightmare. Oscar Pistorius, the first double amputee sprinter ever to compete in the Olympics, was charged with murder on Thursday (Feb. 14) after his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was found shot to death in his home in Pretoria, South Africa.

According to the New York Times, local police responded to a report of gunshots in Pistorius’ luxurious housing complex; once on the scene, paramedics attempted to treat Steenkamp, 30, for gunshot wounds.

Related: PHOTOS: Most shocking Olympian scandals ever

Described on her Twitter account as a “cover girl” and law school graduate, Steenkamp — seen out and about at South African events with the celebrated athlete — was pronounced dead on the premises. Pistorius, 26, was photographed being led away by authorities. Officials told the Times that they plan to oppose Pistorius’ application for bail.

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South Africa’s Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius (C) leaves the Boshkop police station on February 14, 2013 in Pretoria East, to be taken into police custody after allegedly shooting dead his model girlfriend having mistaken her for an intruder at his upscale home.

Authorities initially believed that the shooting was of an accidental nature, with Pistorius mistaking Steenkamp for an intruder, but soon ruled that out as a possibility. “A case of murder has been opened,” police spokeswoman Col. Katlego Mogale said. A motive in the shocking death has yet to be determined.

Related: PHOTOS: Olympians' post-Olympics lives

Given the nickname “Blade Runner” for the carbon fiber prosthetic blades with which he races, Pistorius won two gold medals and a silver at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. He failed to medal at the London Summer Olympics, but reached the 400-meter semifinal and took part in the 4×400 meter relay.

“I don’t know nothing,” Oscar’s father, Henke Pistorius, told South African broadcasters. “It will be extremely obnoxious and rude to speculate. I don’t know the facts. If anyone makes a statement, it will be Oscar. He’s sad at the moment.”

Related: PHOTOS: Look back on the London Games

A rep for Steenkamp told Sky News that the pair had a “healthy, fabulous relationship.”

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