Texts from Oscar Pistorius’ girlfriend Reeva Steenkampt reveal she was frightened of him — and may even suggest a history of domestic violence. “I’m scared of you sometimes and how you snap at me and how you act at me,” one text, read aloud in court, said. Modern forensic data collection typically includes gathering text messages, emails, and other exchanges via the internet and/or mobile devices.
“Blade Runner” Murder Trial Prosecution Testimony Focuses On Text Messages
New evidence for the Pistorius’ murder trial hones in on devices that hold digital evidence — specifically “two BlackBerry phones, two iPhones, two iPads, and a Mac computer,” according to Fox News. Mobile phone evidence implies Pistorius had been violent before. “I can’t be attacked by outsiders for dating u [sic] AND be attacked by you, the one person I deserve protection from,” Steenkampt wrote in a text message. Other incriminating texts described the runner’s jealousy at an engagement party as “perplexing and upsetting,” The New York Times adds. Pistorius is on trial for murdering Steenkampt on Valentine’s Day 2013. The famous double-amputee admits to shooting Steenkampt through his bathroom door — but only once; Pistorius claims he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder.
Of the couple’s 1,000 email and text exchanges, digital forensic investigators report that only four contained implications of violence and aggression. Computer forensic experts described the other texts as ordinary and loving.
Neighbors’ Accounts Back Up Violent Texts
Although digital forensic data collection only suggests a few violent or out of the ordinary texts, other testimony reinforces the notion that Pistorius may have been a danger to Steenkampt. Pistorius, for example, insists he only shot Steenkampt once after mistaking her for an intruder in his home. Neighbors reveal that they heard four shots — and a woman screaming.
A growing number of court cases utilize digital evidence to support testimony. Disturbing texts from Steenkampt, though few and far between, reinforce notions of a violent or tumultuous history between the victim and her boyfriend. Continue reading here.