A Lawrence man accused of killing his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter was drinking heavily and using cocaine the night before the death, one of the men’s friends testified Wednesday.

Russell “Dusty” Pyle, a friend of defendant Jason W. Dillon, took the witness stand Wednesday – weeks before Dillon’s trial is scheduled to begin – and gave videotaped testimony that might be shown later to jurors. Pyle is a witness for the defense but is about to be deployed with the U.S. Navy and won’t be available to testify at trial next month.

Dillon, 22, is charged with killing Sydni C. Perkins while baby-sitting her June 18 in the 1100 block of George Court. Police testified he told them he was hungover and admitted shaking the girl, knocking her to the ground and striking her 13 or 14 times in the back of her head while her mother was at work.

Defense attorney Mark Manna has said he plans to argue that Dillon was too intoxicated to form the intent required to abuse Sydni.

Pyle testified Wednesday that Dillon attended his birthday party in Kansas City, Kan., the night before the death and was intoxicated when he left about 2:30 a.m.

Pyle said Dillon left “under the influence of heavy drugs and alcohol.”

But under cross-examination by Dist. Atty. Charles Branson, Pyle acknowledged he didn’t know exactly what time Dillon left and didn’t see him leave. It’s possible, he acknowledged, that Dillon had slept on his couch until as late as 4 a.m.

Dillon’s trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 14 and last about four days.