Pistorius charged with murdering girlfriend

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) - A South African prosecutor charges Olympian Oscar Pistorius with the premeditated murder of his model girlfriend.

The prosecutor said Tuesday that Pistorius shot 29-year-old Reeva Steenkamp four times through the bathroom door of his home in a guarded and gated complex in the South African capital, Pretoria. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the court the door had been broken open.

The family of the 26-year-old Paralympian and Olympic athlete says police evidence will show there should be no murder charge in the Valentine's Day shooting.

Pistorius, in a gray suit, blue shirt and tie appeared grim and solemn in court. He nodded after the chief magistrate asked if he was well.