Throughout the years, athletes have been role models for children, giving them hope that their dreams can come true with hard work and determination. Oscar Pistorius, a double-amputee olympic runner for South Africa, was no exception.

Known as the “Blade Runner”, Pistorius runs with two carbon-filled running blades for feet. Admiring fans are shocked, however, that Pistorius recently shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in his home in South Africa.

Pistorius is charged with premeditated murder and has lost sponsorships with Nike and other major corporations.

“It’s such a disappointment,” said junior Gina Ruggirello. “He has come so far.”

Pistorius claims he thought there was an intruder in his home and open fire, shooting Steenkamp through a closed bathroom door. He says had put on his prosthetic legs to be ready if he needed to defend himself.

The prosecution, however, argues that Pistorius shot Steenkamp deliberately after an argument.

The case also created a stir when it was discovered that Detective Hilton Botha, the lead police witness for the prosecution, is facing charges of his own of attempted murder.

Botha is accused of firing at a minivan carrying seven people. He was allegedly following and trying to arrest a suspect. Those charges were dropped but recently reinstated. Botha has denied any wrongdoing.