Oscar Pistorius Plans Memorial Service for the Girlfriend He Killed

Oscar Pistorius planned to hold a memorial service on Tuesday night for Reeva Steenkamp, the girlfriend he’s accused of murdering.

Pistorius, the famous Paralympian who was charged with gunning down the model and reality TV star on Valentine’s Day in his home, was released on bail last Friday. The so-called Blade Runner is staying at his uncle’s home in Pretoria, South Africa.

SABC reported that the family released a statement confirming that the memorial would take place: 

Oscar specifically requested the memorial service as he continues to grieve and remains in deep mourning for the loss of his partner Reeva.

The family also requested that the media give the family privacy at the Pretoria household during the memorial service: 

Since it is such a sensitive issue, Oscar has asked for a private service with people who share his loss, including his family members who knew and loved Reeva as one of their own.

On February 19, the Steenkamp family held a funeral for Reeva on the same day Oscar went for his bail hearing. According to the family, Reeva’s body has already been cremated.

Pistorius is charged with premeditated murder and was granted bail in the amount of 1 million rand ($113,000). The state declared he is barred from leaving the country without permission and is forbidden from consuming drugs and alcohol.

The sensational Pistorius case has continued to lead the news with several twists and turns in recent days. Lead investigator Hilton Botha was booted off the case after authorities revealed he was involved with an attempted murder case involving shots fired at passengers. And it was revealed that Oscar’s older brother Carl is charged with killing a female motorcyclist in a hit-and-run in 2009.