South African athlete Oscar Pistorius was planning a future with girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who he is accused of shooting in cold blood this week, his uncle said on Saturday.
"We are in a state of total shock -- firstly about the tragic death of Reeva who we had all got to know well and care for deeply over the last few months," Anthony Pistorius said in a statement released by his nephew's agent.
"They had plans together and Oscar was happier in his private life than he had been for a long time," he said.
Pistorius, 26, was charged on Friday with murdering Steenkamp in the early hours of the previous day. He broke down during a 40-minute bail hearing at a Pretoria court but was not asked to enter a plea.
Prosecutors alleged the shooting was premeditated -- a charge that could put Pistorius behind bars for life if he is convicted.
Anthony Pistorius reiterated the family's belief that the track star -- a double amputee who became one of the biggest names in world athletics -- had not deliberately shot Steenkamp, a 30-year-old model. Initial reports suggested he may have mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder.
Photograph: Thembani Makhubele/Reuters
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