Pistorius, Steenkamp families 'in talks' over ' out-of-court' settlement

The families of Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius and his murdered girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp are reportedly in talks over a possible out-of-court settlement that would compensate the Steenkamps for the killing of their daughter by Pistorius.

According to Stuff.co.nz, Pistorius' lawyers have initiated negotiations for a settlement before Pistorius goes on trial from March 3- March 20 next year on a charge of premeditated murder for Steenkamp's shooting death.

The report also mentioned that Steenkamp had financially helped her parents before her death in the early hours of Valentine's Day, with prosecutors indicting the double amputee Olympian on a charge of premeditated murder on Tuesday.

The report further said that Pistorius' conviction could make him liable to a substantial civil suit by Steenkamp's family, adding that Steenkamp's parents were seeking around 300,000 dollars for loss of income and emotional stress.

Confirming the discussions with Steenkamp's parents, Pistorius' lawyer Kenny Oldwadge said that he could not clarify further as the situation is very sensitive.

Steenkamp, a model and budding reality TV star in South Africa, would have turned 30 on Monday, the day Pistorius was indicted on charges of murder and illegal possession of ammunition, the report added.