This article is from the archive of our partner .

The family of Reeva Steenkamp has condemned the final verdict in the Oscar Pistorius case that acquitted the athlete of murdering their daughter.

"This verdict is not justice for Reeva," June Steenkamp told NBC News' Jeff Rossen in an exclusive interview. "I just want the truth... She died a horrible death, a horrible, painful, terrible death, and she suffered, you know? And he shot through the door and I can't believe that they believe that it was an accident."

When the verdict was read, Barry Steenkamp said, "it wasn't just disbelief on our minds. I think it was disbelief on everyone's, on most people who have been following the case."

"I just don't feel that this is the right sentence, you know?", June Steenkamp added. "They believe his story, and I don't believe that story. That's the difference."

When Rossen pressed the Steenkamps about what they think the sentence should be, June Steenkamp dismissed the question, saying they had no interest in his final sentence.

"I really don't care what happens to Oscar," she said. "It's not going to change anything because my daughter is never coming back. He's still living and breathing you know, and she's gone forever."

Pistorius was charged with culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter, which can land him in prison for as many as 15 years, or no years, if the judge converts his sentence into a house arrest. The sentencing will happen October 13.

Watch the video of their interview below:

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.

We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.