Steenkamp Family and Pistroius May Negotiate Out Of Court Deal
The lawyer of the Steenkamp family has made it public that as of this Tuesday, legal representatives of both sides are in contact and may try to negotiate an out of court deal that will try to compensate the Steenkamp’s for the death of their daughter, Reeva Steenkamp.
The South African press suggests that the negotiations were initiated by Pistroius’ lawyers in what they call a “desperate” attempt to settle the matter out of court before their client goes on trial.
The Steenkamp lawyer confirmed that the two sides are talking but didn't offer more information on the matter saying that the negotiations are still sensitive.
Oscar Pistroius is accused of premeditated murder, after he shot his wife on the 14th on February this year when he confused her with an intruder. The athlete should face trial in March 2014, where if found guilty he could be exposed to a huge civil suit by the Steenkamps.
Newspapers in South Africa said that Pistroius’ lawyers have started negotiation while the Steenkamp family would expect a payoff of around $300,000 for emotional stress and lawyer fees.
In the meantime, Oscar Piastroius is apparently selling assets and part of the homes he owns, including the one where he accidentally shot his wife to handle the climbing lawyer fees.