As his murder trial was nearing an end, an Alabama man admitted to murdering his pregnant wife and their unborn son as part of a plea agreement.

Hunter Tatum, 26, of Prattville admitted to the shooting death of his wife, Summer, and their unborn child Everette to avoid the possibility of a death sentence.

Instead he was sentenced to two, 99-year sentences. Each sentence will be served consecutively meaning his sentence is 198 years.

“This case took an emotional toll on all of us,” said C.J. Robinson, 19th circuit district attorney. “The Prattville Police Department did a great job with the investigation, and I am so proud of the devotion and commitment of our team at the DA’s Office.”

“My heart also goes out to the family and friends of Summer and baby Everette. Thank you for trusting us and believing in us as we spoke for you.”

Hunter Tatum’s plea came as his murder trial was coming to an end. Robinson said the victim’s family agreed to the plea deal.

The defense didn’t argue that Hunter Tatum pulled the trigger on the gun (Summer’s own gun) that killed her.

The circumstances that led to the shooting were the point of contention in the trial.

Prosecutors contended that Hunter Tatum was upset after his pregnant wife found out he had been “sexting” with a woman who lived in England. They got into an argument and Hunter Tatum shot Summer Tatum, prosecutors said.

The defense, however, suggested that the shooting was in self-defense after Summer Tatum came at her husband with a gun and threatened to kill him.

Prosecutors at trial played an audio recording from a security camera outside the Tatums’ house. The recording includes sounds of Summer Tatum begging for her life.

The shooting happened on October 18, 2021. Summer died shortly after the shooting from two gunshot wounds to the back of her head, prosecutors said.

The unborn baby Everett was delivered at the hospital by C-section but only lived a short time.