Trial Begins for Florence Man Accused of Fatally Beating Girlfriend
Opening Statements and Testimony Commence
The trial of Derrick Lamont Brunson, a 49-year-old Florence man accused of fatally battering his girlfriend into death, commenced on Tuesday. Prosecutors claim that Brunson had been beating his 31-year-old girlfriend, Katlyn Shippnick, over an extended period leading to internal injuries which caused her death on or around May 21, 2021.
Initially, local enforcement officers in Florence treated Shippnick’s death as suspicious, but further investigation led them to conclude it was the result of physical abuse by her boyfriend. The evidence is expected to reveal Brunson attacking Shippnick with his bare hands, leading to fatal injuries.
Prosecution Makes Their Case
In his opening statement, Twelfth Circuit Deputy Solicitor Todd Tucker described this as a case of avoidable violence and senseless tragedy. He claimed that Brunson used his fists to lethally injure his girlfriend on May 21, 2021. “This is a case about a life cut violently short by a man Katlyn Shippnick regarded as her husband,” stated Tucker.
The jury briefly heard a 911 call made by Brunson, who claimed his girlfriend had been shot during the call. The dispatcher couldn’t trace his address immediately due to his unintelligible speech and inconsolable emotional state, which led to some delay before re-routing deputies to the scene.
Eyewitness Accounts
Detailed eyewitness testimonies were presented to the jury. Florence County Sheriff’s Sgt. Leonard Johnson, one of the initial deputies on the scene, described finding Shippnick’s body in the middle of the bathroom, with Brunson standing over her. Florence County Sheriff Lt. Chris Owens recounted the difficulties they faced when asking Brunson to leave so they could examine the situation.
Defense Asserts Innocence
Brunson’s attorney, William Foster Edgeworth III, countered these accusations, maintaining his client’s innocence. Edgeworth argued that there were no signs of any physical altercations on Brunson. He also suggested that law enforcement immediately presumed Brunson’s guilt without considering other possible scenarios due to the presence of bruising deemed ‘suspicious’ on Shippnick.
A Plea for Justice
Amanda Shippnick, the victim’s sister, demanded justice for her deceased sibling who left behind five children. Speaking to reporters, Amanda said that her sister was a victim of domestic abuse but couldn’t voice it out due to fear. She expressed her full trust and confidence in the judicial process, stating her belief in the prosecution and the investigative authorities to deliver justice for her sister.
The trial continues, with more testimonies expected to be heard on Wednesday.
