Oscar Pistorius Takes the Stand in Murder Case, Gives Tearful Apology to Reeva Steenkamp's Family (Video)

Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius takes the stand for his first account during his murder trial on Monday (April 7) in Pretoria, South Africa.

The 27-year-old athlete started the morning out by giving a tearful apology to Reeva Steenkamp‘s family. He is on trial for killing her last year after shooting her through a locked bathroom door, though he says he mistook her for an intruder.

“I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Steenkamp, to Reeva‘s family,” Oscar said (via ABC News). “To those of you who knew her who are in court today.”

“There hasn’t been a moment since this tragedy happened that I haven’t thought about your family,” he added. “I wake up every morning and you’re the first people I think of, the first people I pray for… I was simply trying to protect Reeva. I can promise you when she went to bed that night she felt loved. I’ve tried to put my feelings in words to you several times, but no words ever sufficed.”

FYI: Oscar requested that he not be placed on video, but his audio was recorded and you can watch that below.