Charges reduced against man accused of killing missing girlfriend | Crime

Bartow, Florida --  A little less than 2 years ago, Dion Kaseta was charged with second degree murder.

But in Polk County, court prosecutors have now 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 is 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. They say they knew he murdered Kim.

Related Story: Lake Wales family honors memory of missing woman

After an investigation, Dion was charged with her murder.

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

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

If convicted Kaseta now faces a maximum 15 years in prison.