The family of Reeva Steenkamp says that she "can now rest in peace" on Friday after a South African high court more than doubled Oscar Pistorius' sentence for her killing.
The family of Reeva Steenkamp says that she "can now rest in peace" on Friday after a South African high court more than doubled Oscar Pistorius' sentence for her killing.
The Supreme Court of Appeal doubled his sentence to 13 years and five months for the murder of Steenkamp, his girlfriend.
The ruling was issued after the prosecution appealed his previous sentence of six years as too lenient.
The former Olympic and Paralympic sprinter killed Steenkamp at his home on Valentine's Day 2013. Pistorius says the killing was an accident after he mistook her for an intruder.
However, the prosecution called it a deliberate act after the two had a heated argument.
Supreme Court Justice Willie Seriti said Pistorius failed to explain in court why he fired the fatal shots and "does not appreciate the gravity of his actions."
"I find it difficult on the evidence to accept that the respondent is genuinely remorseful," Seriti said in his decision.
Seriti said the facts of the case demanded a higher sentence.
The court's decision is "justice for Reeva," her family's spokeswoman said, adding that they hope "this is the end of the road and that everyone can move forward."
