JOHANNESBURG — Oscar Pistorius’ lawyers have called in a team of American forensic experts to help prepare the double-amputee Olympian’s defense for his murder trial next year.

Pistorius’ spokeswoman, Anneliese Burgess, says the specialists from the U.S. are currently in South Africa working with the athlete’s lawyers.

Pistorius goes on trial at a high court in Pretoria in March accused of premeditated murder in the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his house on Feb. 14. He faces a possible life sentence with a minimum of 25 years in prison if convicted.

Burges said she couldn’t give details of the forensic team’s identities or areas of expertise. She told The Associated Press it is “very standard practice to work with specialists from various fields in preparation for any trial.”