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Pistorius: Reeva Steenkamp Was a 'Blessing,' I Was 'Bowled Over'

Oscar Pistorius also described the role religion had played in his life.
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Olympian Oscar Pistorius testified that meeting the girlfriend he later fatally shot was a "blessing."

The double-amputee sprinter is accused of premeditated murder after he killed model and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp on Feb. 14, 2013. Pistorius, 27, maintains he thought she was an intruder and told the court earlier Monday that he was "simply trying to protect Reeva."

Pistorius also described the role religion had played in his life.

Image: Reeva Steenkamp
Reeva Steenkamp was shot by Oscar Pistorius on Valentine's Day 2013 at the Olympian's home.Mike Holmes / Gallo via Getty Images, file

When asked by lead defense lawyer Barry Roux whether he'd slept the previous night, Pistorius replied: "No, sir."

The sprinter added that the weight of his thoughts were "extremely overbearing." He told the court earlier that he was on prescription drugs due to "terrible nightmares about things that happened that night."

The trial continues.