Oscar Pistorius Trial Update: Paralympian’s Defense Team Using Reeva Steenkamp’s Letter About Burglary Fears As Key Evidence

The defense team of paralympian Oscar Pistorius is using a key piece of evidence to prove that the death of Reeva Steenkamp was an accident. Pistorius, 26, is accused of shooting his girlfriend last February 14.

In 2008, Reeva Steenkamp went public about her fear of violent intruders in her neighborhood, the Sunday People of the U.K. revealed. She recounted a terrorizing experience she had when their home in Port Elizabeth was ransacked by robbers that year.

She wrote in a letter titled, “Violent attack by intruders brings home increasing crime rate,” that she and her mother was “robbed after the thieves ripped the wood, glass, and burglar bars from the walls.”

“Their attack was violent and they carried on with a complete disregard for our presence,” Reeva added in the letter.

The model warned families and asked that they take extra measure.

“Families need to remain behind locked doors late at night. Lock all inter-leading doors and be vigilant at all times. It is a very sad thought that we must now live like this. The reality is that these criminals are here to stay.”

According to The Mirror, it is believed that the letter will be used by the double-amputee athlete’s defense lawyers as a key evidence.

It is in line with Oscar’s consistent claim that he shot Reeva Steenkamp through the bathroom door, out of fear, and thinking she was a burglar.

The South African sport hero’s lawyers say that the letter show the couple shared their fears of violent raiders.

Oscar Pistorius will appear in court August 19, Reeva Steenkamp’s 30th birthday. Many believe that the trial would be postponed as prosecutors request more time for investigation.

The official murder trial of the accused athlete may begin early 2014.