Oscar Pistorius: ‘That’s the moment that everything changed’

Richard Allen Greene, Laura Smith-Spark and Emily Smith, CNN
Updated 2:05 PM EDT, Tue April 8, 2014
Oscar Pistorius reaches out to his uncle Arnold Pistorius and other family members as he is led out of court in Pretoria, South Africa, after being sentenced to five years in prison on Tuesday, October 21. Pistorius, the first double-amputee runner to compete in the Olympics, was sentenced for culpable homicide in the February 2013 death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Oscar Pistorius reaches out to his uncle Arnold Pistorius and other family members as he is led out of court in Pretoria, South Africa, after being sentenced to five years in prison on Tuesday, October 21. Pistorius, the first double-amputee runner to compete in the Olympics, was sentenced for culpable homicide in the February 2013 death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Herman Verwey/Pool/AP
Pistorius leaves the high court in Pretoria on Monday, October 13. A judge cleared Pistorius of premeditated murder last month, but he was found guilty of culpable homicide -- the South African term for unintentionally, but unlawfully, killing a person.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius leaves the high court in Pretoria on Monday, October 13. A judge cleared Pistorius of premeditated murder last month, but he was found guilty of culpable homicide -- the South African term for unintentionally, but unlawfully, killing a person.
Themba Hadebe/AP
Pistorius speaks with his uncle Arnold Pistorius during his trial at the Pretoria High Court on Friday, September 12.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius speaks with his uncle Arnold Pistorius during his trial at the Pretoria High Court on Friday, September 12.
Alon Skuy/The Times-Pool/Gallo Image/Getty Images
Pistorius cries on the stand in Pretoria on Thursday, September 11, as the judge reads notes while delivering her verdict.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius cries on the stand in Pretoria on Thursday, September 11, as the judge reads notes while delivering her verdict.
Kim Ludbrook/ap
Pistorius arrives at court on September 11.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius arrives at court on September 11.
Jerome Delay/ap
Pistorius speaks to someone in court as his murder trial resumes in Pretoria on Thursday, August 7.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius speaks to someone in court as his murder trial resumes in Pretoria on Thursday, August 7.
Werner Beukes/Pool/AP
Pistorius sits in court in Pretoria on Tuesday, July 8.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius sits in court in Pretoria on Tuesday, July 8.
Siphiwe Sibeko/Pool/AP
Pistorius arrives at court in Pretoria on Monday, July 7.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius arrives at court in Pretoria on Monday, July 7.
Ihsaan Haffejee/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Pistorius yawns during day 37 of his murder trial on June 3.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius yawns during day 37 of his murder trial on June 3.
JEROME DELAY/AFP/Getty Images
Pistorius hugs a supporter Wednesday, July 2.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius hugs a supporter Wednesday, July 2.
Werner Beukes/SAPA/Gallo Images/Pool/Getty Images
Pistorius listens to evidence being presented in court on Monday, June 30.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius listens to evidence being presented in court on Monday, June 30.
Phill Magakoe/Pool/Getty Images
Pistorius leaves the court in Pretoria on Tuesday, May 20.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius leaves the court in Pretoria on Tuesday, May 20.
Themba Hadebe/AP
Pistorius reads notes during his trial on Monday, May 12.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius reads notes during his trial on Monday, May 12.
KIM LUDBROOK/EPA/POOL/LANDOV
Ballistics expert Tom "Wollie" Wolmarans testifies for the defense on May 12.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Ballistics expert Tom "Wollie" Wolmarans testifies for the defense on May 12.
Chris Collingridge/Pool/AP
A red laser dot points at bullet holes in the bathroom door for a forensic demonstration during the trial on May 12. Pistorius admits firing four bullets through the closed door, killing Steenkamp, but says he thought he was protecting himself from a burglar.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
A red laser dot points at bullet holes in the bathroom door for a forensic demonstration during the trial on May 12. Pistorius admits firing four bullets through the closed door, killing Steenkamp, but says he thought he was protecting himself from a burglar.
CHRIS COLLINGRIDGE/EPA/THE STAR/POOL/LANDOV
Pistorius returns to court as his murder trial resumes Monday, May 5, after a break of more than two weeks.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius returns to court as his murder trial resumes Monday, May 5, after a break of more than two weeks.
Ihsaan Haffejee/Pool/AP
Pistorius gets a hug from a woman as he leaves court in Pretoria on Wednesday, April 16.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius gets a hug from a woman as he leaves court in Pretoria on Wednesday, April 16.
Themba Hadebe/AP
Pistorius rubs his eye Tuesday, April 15, after testifying during his murder trial.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius rubs his eye Tuesday, April 15, after testifying during his murder trial.
Siphiwe Sibeko/Pool/AP
Pistorius arrives at the court in Pretoria on Monday, April 14.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius arrives at the court in Pretoria on Monday, April 14.
Theana Breugem/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images
Pistorius' sister, Aimee, cries in court as she listens to her brother's testimony on Tuesday, April 8.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius' sister, Aimee, cries in court as she listens to her brother's testimony on Tuesday, April 8.
Kim Ludbrook/Pool/Getty Images
June Steenkamp, Reeva Steenkamp's mother, reacts as she listens to Pistorius' testimony on April 8.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
June Steenkamp, Reeva Steenkamp's mother, reacts as she listens to Pistorius' testimony on April 8.
Kim Ludbrook/Pool/AP
Pistorius is hugged by his aunt Lois Pistorius in court on Monday, April 7.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius is hugged by his aunt Lois Pistorius in court on Monday, April 7.
Deaan Vivier/Pool/AP
Pistorius sits inside the courtroom as members of his defense team talk in the foreground Friday, March 28.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius sits inside the courtroom as members of his defense team talk in the foreground Friday, March 28.
Werner Beukes/ap
Pistorius leaves court on March 28. The trial was delayed until April 7 because one of the legal experts who will assist the judge in reaching a verdict was sick.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius leaves court on March 28. The trial was delayed until April 7 because one of the legal experts who will assist the judge in reaching a verdict was sick.
Themba Hadebe/ap
Steenkamp's mother, right, and family friend Jenny Strydom react in court Tuesday, March 25, during cross-questioning.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Steenkamp's mother, right, and family friend Jenny Strydom react in court Tuesday, March 25, during cross-questioning.
Siphiwe Sibeko/ap
Cell phone analyst Francois Moller testifies during the trial on March 25. Questioned by the prosecution, Moller listed in order the calls made and received by Pistorius after he shot Steenkamp.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Cell phone analyst Francois Moller testifies during the trial on March 25. Questioned by the prosecution, Moller listed in order the calls made and received by Pistorius after he shot Steenkamp.
Esa Alexander/AFP/Getty Images
Pistorius cries as he sits in the dock during his trial on Monday, March 24.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius cries as he sits in the dock during his trial on Monday, March 24.
IHSAAN HAFFEJEE/AFP/Getty Images
Pistorius talks to defense attorney Barry Roux on March 24.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius talks to defense attorney Barry Roux on March 24.
Chris Collingridge/Pool/AP
Pistorius holds his head while members of his family talk behind him on Tuesday, March 18.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius holds his head while members of his family talk behind him on Tuesday, March 18.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Steenkamp's mother, wearing the white collared shirt, looks on while a police officer takes notes in court March 18.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Steenkamp's mother, wearing the white collared shirt, looks on while a police officer takes notes in court March 18.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
Pistorius is hugged by his aunt Lois on March 18.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius is hugged by his aunt Lois on March 18.
WERNER BEUKES/AFP/Getty Images
Pistorius takes notes Monday, March 17, as his murder trial enters its third week.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius takes notes Monday, March 17, as his murder trial enters its third week.
SIPHIWE SIBEKO/AFP/Getty Images
Pistorius covers his head as he listens to forensic evidence Thursday, March 13.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius covers his head as he listens to forensic evidence Thursday, March 13.
Alet Pretorius/Pool/AP
Forensic investigator Johannes Vermeulen, left, is questioned during the trial March 13.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Forensic investigator Johannes Vermeulen, left, is questioned during the trial March 13.
Themba Hadebe/Pool/AP
Pistorius listens to questions during his trial on Wednesday, March 12.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius listens to questions during his trial on Wednesday, March 12.
Werner Beukes/Pool/AP
A police officer takes part in a court reconstruction March 12. A police forensic expert said Pistorius was on the stumps of his amputated legs when he knocked down a locked toilet door with a cricket bat to reach his shot girlfriend. That counters the track star's assertion he was wearing his prosthetic legs at the time. Defense attorney Barry Roux countered by suggesting that even with his prosthetic legs on, Pistorius would not be swinging a bat at the same height as an able-bodied person.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
A police officer takes part in a court reconstruction March 12. A police forensic expert said Pistorius was on the stumps of his amputated legs when he knocked down a locked toilet door with a cricket bat to reach his shot girlfriend. That counters the track star's assertion he was wearing his prosthetic legs at the time. Defense attorney Barry Roux countered by suggesting that even with his prosthetic legs on, Pistorius would not be swinging a bat at the same height as an able-bodied person.
ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images
Pistorius listens to cross-questioning on Monday, March 10.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius listens to cross-questioning on Monday, March 10.
Bongiwe Mchunu/Pool/AP
Friends of Steenkamp's family watch Pistorius during his trial on March 7.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Friends of Steenkamp's family watch Pistorius during his trial on March 7.
THEMBA HADEBE/AFP/Getty Images
Pistorius covers his ears on Thursday, March 6, as a witness speaks about the morning Steenkamp was killed.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius covers his ears on Thursday, March 6, as a witness speaks about the morning Steenkamp was killed.
Marco Longari/Pool/AP
Pistorius' sister, Aimee, right, speaks with members of Steenkamp's family on March 6.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius' sister, Aimee, right, speaks with members of Steenkamp's family on March 6.
Marco Longari/Pool/AP
Pistorius sits in court on the third day of his trial Wednesday, March 5.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius sits in court on the third day of his trial Wednesday, March 5.
Siphiwe Sibeko/Pool/AP
Pistorius appears on the second day of his trial Tuesday, March 4.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius appears on the second day of his trial Tuesday, March 4.
Antoine de Ras/Pool/AP
Members of the media work during a break in proceedings March 4.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Members of the media work during a break in proceedings March 4.
KIM LUDBROOK/AFP/Getty Images
Pistorius talks with Roux inside the court on March 4.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius talks with Roux inside the court on March 4.
Kim Ludbrook/Pool/AP
Pistorius speaks with his legal representatives on March 4.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius speaks with his legal representatives on March 4.
Antoine de Ras/AFP/Getty Images
Pistorius is escorted out of the court Monday, March 3, after the first day of his murder trial.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius is escorted out of the court Monday, March 3, after the first day of his murder trial.
stringer/AP
People try to get a glimpse of Pistorius as he leaves the court building on March 3.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
People try to get a glimpse of Pistorius as he leaves the court building on March 3.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Pistorius is seen shortly after arriving for his trial on March 3.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius is seen shortly after arriving for his trial on March 3.
Themba Hadebe/Pool/AP
Pistorius walks into the courtroom on March 3.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius walks into the courtroom on March 3.
Herman Verwey/Pool/AP
Pistorius takes a drink of water March 3 during his trial.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius takes a drink of water March 3 during his trial.
Herman Verwey/Media24 - POOL
The case has captivated South Africa. Here, Lauren Wentzel watches the proceedings from her home outside Cape Town on March 3.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
The case has captivated South Africa. Here, Lauren Wentzel watches the proceedings from her home outside Cape Town on March 3.
NIC BOTHMA/EPA/LANDOV
June Steenkamp arrives at the court building for the start of the trial.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
June Steenkamp arrives at the court building for the start of the trial.
AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam
Pistorius' relatives wait inside the courtroom on March 3.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
Pistorius' relatives wait inside the courtroom on March 3.
AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, Pool
People at the court building wait for Pistorius' arrival on March 3.
Oscar Pistorius murder trial —
People at the court building wait for Pistorius' arrival on March 3.
AP Photo/Schalk van Zuyda
Oscar Pistorius murder trial

Story highlights

Pistorius recounts events on the night he fatally shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

"That's the moment that everything changed," he says of hearing a sound in the night

He says he was "besotted" with Steenkamp, and probably more "into her" than she was into him

Pistorius denies firing a gun through a car sunroof, one of three gun-related charges

Pretoria, South Africa CNN  — 

Oscar Pistorius broke down on the witness stand Tuesday, sobbing as he recounted the moment he realized he had fatally shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

“She wasn’t breathing,” the track star heaved as he described the February night more than a year ago. The judge adjourned the murder trial as Pistorius’ emotions unraveled and later ended proceedings for the day.

The Olympic sprinter had been explaining how he came to shoot Steenkamp, and how it didn’t dawn on him at first that she, and not an intruder, may have been behind the bathroom door at which he fired his pistol.

“I didn’t want to believe that it could be Reeva inside the toilet,” he testified.

South African Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius reacts during his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, on April 7, 2014.
South African Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius reacts during his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, on April 7, 2014.
Themba Hadebe/Getty Images
video

Oscar Pistorius in his own words

pkg curnow pistorius trial day wrap_00011717.jpg
pkg curnow pistorius trial day wrap_00011717.jpg
video

Oscar Pistorius: 'I cried over Reeva'

Oscar Pistorius' sister Aimee (2nd R), cries as she hears her brother recounts events on the night he killed Reeva Steenkamp.
Oscar Pistorius' sister Aimee (2nd R), cries as she hears her brother recounts events on the night he killed Reeva Steenkamp.
AFP/Getty Images
video

Oscar Pistorius: 'She wasn't breathing'

Pistorius said that after hearing noises, he made his way to the bathroom, pistol in