Pistorius cleared of murder, homicide charge remains

The judge in Oscar Pistorius' trial ruled out a murder conviction for the double-amputee Olympian on Thursday in the shooting death of his girlfriend but said he was negligent, raising the possibility he'll be convicted of culpable homicide.

The verdict in the case that has riveted much of South Africa and the world is expected on Friday when Judge Thokozile Masipa reconvenes the judgment phase, climaxing the trial that began in March.

If Pistorius is acquitted of murder, he could still be sent to jail for a maximum of 15 years if convicted of culpable homicide or negligent killing, although five years in prison is a guideline when a firearm is used.