Testimony in Gainesville murder trial continuing

GAINESVILLE - Testimony in the trial of a Gainesville man a accused of murdering his girlfriend's toddler daughter is expected to continue Friday, according to court officials.

Steven Clark West is charged in the death of 18-month-old Kaylee Kipp. The youngster's body was found June 12, 2011 in a unit at the On Riverside Condominium complex in Gainesville. Her mother, Deanna Kipp, 24, is also facing a murder charge in her death and is awaiting trial.

Opening statements were heard Tuesday after the 6-man, 6-woman jury was chosen. Three alternate jurors were also seated but one of them was excused Thursday because of a family emergency.

Court documents show the couple is accused of assaulting the child with an unspecified "blunt object" sometime between June 11 and 12, 2011, causing swelling of the brain and death.





.