Olympian Oscar Pistorius poses with girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in Johannesburg, Jan. 26, 2013, less than a month before her death.
Talks are under way between lawyers for South African track star Oscar Pistorius and the family of his slain girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Steenkamp family attorney Petrus de Bruyn confirmed Tuesday that discussions had been taking place but he declined to provide details.
The Times newspaper says the Steenkamp family is seeking compensation in a civil lawsuit and Pistorius’ camp wants to settle the matter before his murder trial begins in March.
Steenkamp and her half-brother had been providing financial support to their parents.
Pistorius appeared in a Pretoria court Monday, where he was officially charged with murdering Steenkamp at his home earlier this year. If convicted of premeditated murder, he faces a life sentence.
Pistorius has admitted to shooting Steenkamp, but insists he thought she was an intruder.
His trial is set to begin in March.
The athlete is known as the “blade runner” for his carbon-fiber prosthetic legs.
He became an inspiration to millions as the first double amputee to compete against able-bodied participants at the 2012 London Olympics.