Jury selection begins in 2001 manslaughter case | Crime

Bartow, Florida -- Jury selection is underway in the case involving a Lake Wales woman who disappeared from a South Florida beach.

A little less than two years ago, Dion Kaseta was charged with second degree murder, but prosecutors reduced that charge to manslaughter.

The case involves Kimberly Mimmovich, of Lake Wales, who was last seen nearly 12 years ago.

The last photograph her family has of Kim at the Midway Lounge on Highway 92 was taken in December 7, 2001. She can be seen smiling and singing into a microphone.

Kim disappeared without a trace on Dec. 8, 2001.

Her boyfriend, Dion Kaseta, told investigators that he and Kim got into an argument while at Deerfield Beach and that she told him to let her out of the car so she could watch the sunrise alone.

No one ever saw her again.

Dion claimed that he then went to his sister's home nearby for breakfast and went fishing alone after his brother-in-law hurt his ankle.

His family claims he never reported Kim missing until 12 hours later. 

Her family says he never helped in the search efforts.

Related Story: Lake Wales family honors memory of missing woman

After an investigation, Dion was initially charged with her murder.

Relatives say Kim had always told them that Dion scared her, and that he was too possessive.

Prosecutors say they reduced the charge to manslaughter because that is the charge that best fits the investigation and the evidence.

If convicted Kaseta faces a maximum 15 years in prison.