Oscar Pistorius' lawyers are working with American forensic specialists to help prepare the double-amputee Olympian's defense case in the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp before his trial early next year, according to The Associated Press.

The U.S. team is currently in South Africa, Pistorius' spokesperson, Anneliese Burgess, told the AP Tuesday. She could not reveal their identities, areas of expertise or if they would stay for the trial, which begins on March 3, 2014.

"A team of forensic specialists from the United States is currently in the country working with Oscar's defense team," Burgess said. "We don't want to go into great detail about this except to stay it is very standard practice to work with specialists from various fields in preparation for any trial."

Burgess said the team of specialists, along with Pistorius' laywers, visited the house where the athlete is staying on Monday, the South African Press Association reported.

Reeva Steenkamp Pictures with Boyfriend Oscar Pistorius & Video

Pistorius will go on trial at the North Gauteng High Court in the South African capital Pretoria and the trial is scheduled to last a little over two weeks. The 26-year-old athlete is accused of premeditated murder in the shooting death of 29-year-old Steenkamp at his house on Feb. 14, 2013. He could receive life sentence with a minimum of 25 years in prison if convicted, according to the report. He could also be convicted of a lesser murder charge that has a 15-year mandatory sentence. A culpable homicide or negligent killing charge has a 5-year prison term in South Africa if a firearm is used.

People in South Africa can have ammunition only if they are licensed to own a gun and their ammunition must be specific to that weapon, according to CNN. Pistorius previously admitted storing ammunition for a gun his father owned.

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Oscar Pistorius, Reeva steenkamp