Pistorius lawyer says pathologist 'likely' to open defense testimony at murder trial

FILE: In this file photo taken Monday March 10, 2014, Oscar Pistorius cries as he listens to cross questioning about the events surrounding the shooting death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, in court during his trial in Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius is expected to testify soon at his murder trial when the defense begins its case on Friday after four weeks of prosecution-led testimony. (AP Photo/Bongiwe Mchunu, Pool, File) (The Associated Press)

Oscar Pistorius arrives at the high court in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, March 28, 2014. The murder trial of Pistorius, who is charged with murder for the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentines Day in 2013, has been delayed until April 7 because one of the legal experts who will assist the judge in reaching a verdict is sick, the judge said Friday. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) (The Associated Press)

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Oscar Pistorius' lawyer says a pathologist will likely testify first when the double-amputee athlete's defense team starts calling witnesses at his murder trial next week.

Lawyer Brian Webber said in an email to The Associated Press that the defense plans to start by calling Prof. Jan Botha when the trial resumes Monday after a week's adjournment.

Pistorius was expected to open defense testimony but Botha will likely be called first because Webber said the pathologist has some "personal difficulties."

In South Africa, defendants who indicate they will testify are expected to go first.

Pistorius and his lawyers say he will testify and explain in court how he killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp by accident on Valentine's Day last year. Prosecutors have charged him with premeditated murder.