PRETORIA, South Africa - Oscar Pistorius' defense lawyers rested their case Tuesday, bringing the Olympic sprinter's murder trial closer to a verdict. Some witnesses did not want to testify for the defense because of publicity surrounding the case, chief defense lawyer Barry Roux told the High Court in Pretoria, adding that he chose not to ask Judge Thokozile Masipa to compel them to appear. "There's nothing that we can do about it," Roux said.
Closing arguments will take place on July 30 and August 4 and final arguments are now scheduled to begin on August 7. Double-amputee Pistorius, who is free on bail, is accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home on Valentine’s Day last year. Dubbed the "Blade Runner," Pistorius admits fatally shooting her but denies premeditated murder, saying he mistook her for an intruder.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.