Trial begins in death of live-in boyfriend
Published: Wed, Aug. 27, 2008 07:42AM
Modified Wed, Aug. 27, 2008 06:25AM
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closeA Johnston County woman accused of killing her boyfriend, a former police officer who owned a private security firm, is on trial this week in Fayetteville.
Tiffany Ann Bassett, 28, could spend her life in prison if she is convicted of killing Keith West, 39. The couple lived together in a home in the Carrie Wood community outside Benson and had a daughter together.
West was found shot in his bed July 18, 2006, the day a foreclosure was scheduled on the home he had bought with a former wife.
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Bassett called 911 to report his death after returning from dropping a car off to be repaired. Bassett was charged in the crime several days later.
Bassett's parents were given custody of the couple's daughter, who was born about a year before West's death.
West owned Wes-Tek, a company that provided security to private clients. A former Marine, West had worked as a police officer in Smithfield and as a corrections officer.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive in the case, but the couple was having financial troubles.
Before West's death, Bassett had been arrested on several drug violations in Johnston and Harnett counties. Authorities said she had used copies of a prescription for the narcotic painkiller Lorcet at different pharmacies.
Jury selection continued for a second day Tuesday. A judge had moved Bassett's trial from Johnston to Cumberland County.
mmaguire@newsobserver.com or (919) 829-4841
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