The murder trial of Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius is to resume in Pretoria today.  The defense will attempt to build its case with the testimony of a psychologist who will be called to speak about Pistorius' disability and his acute sense of vulnerability.

The 27-year old Pistorius is charged with murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home on Valentine’s Day, 2013.  Pistorius does not deny firing the fatal shows through the door of his bathroom, but claims he mistook her for a burglar.

If Pistorius is found guilty, he faces life in prison.  But even if he is acquitted of murder, the court will still consider an alternative charge of culpable homicide, for which he will likely sent to prison for 15 years.

During the first half of the trial, prosecutors questioned witnesses who said they heard an argument coming from the Pistorius home prior to the shooting.  Other witnesses said he was reckless with guns, and was at the very least emotionally abusive towards Steenkamp.  The trial took a two-week break for Easter and local South African holidays.