Oscar Pistorius Faces Sentence on Reeva Steenkamp’s Death

Today is the day of reckoning for decorated Paralympics medalist Oscar Pistorius. The controversial athlete could either sing to the tune of Tom Jones' "Green, Green, Grass of Home" or dance away fifteen years to Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock."

The man dubbed as the "Blade Runner" admitted to shooting four times through the bathroom door that fateful night of February 14, 2013 that led to the death of his girlfriend and model Reeva Steenkamp. The 27-year-old athlete testified that he mistook his lover as a possible intruder and shot at her behind closed door. This led to the judge ruling that the athlete was guilty of culpable manslaughter.

The guilty verdict from a murder charge lowered down to a culpable manslaughter erases intent but the sentencing becomes the tricky part. Judge Thokizile Masipa, the second black judge to be installed in South Africa has a tough choice. She could mete out the maximum sentence of fifteen years, order a sort of house arrest or let Pistorius walk free with a community service sentence. With the whole of South Africa torn on the implications of race and celebrity status in the face of the justice system, the ruling Judge has her hands full.

While the whole nation awaits the verdict, Pistorius' family is hoping for the best for the double amputee. His siblings, Carl and Aimee, have already taken their sentiments to the media and expressed their support for their embattled brother. The family had been behind the athletes back all throughout the one and a half year of trial, public scrutiny and extensive media coverage.

"It has been a long journey to this point," Aimee Pistorius revealed per NBC. "A very taxing one. It is difficult to support someone through something like this - all the guilt and ridicule and obviously the exposure that has come with it."

The troubled family member also added that Oscar Pistorius was a good man with a kind heart who is sometimes too generous to a fault. His defence lawyer also added that right now, his client is not only broke financially but broken. It is unclear if the Olympian will be able to settle his legal fees butit was also reported that he sent his deceased girlfriend's family some money which was ultimately rejected and labeled as "blood money" by the Steenkamps. Now, the whole nation and the world awaits the final chapter to the Oscar Pistorius saga.