BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Domestic violence is being blamed in the murder of infant, and a Prattville man is in custody.
Today the Prattville Police Department executed a warrant for Christopher Hundley, 32, on a charge of reckless murder relating to the death of the infant, according to Prattville Police Chief Mark Thompson.
According to Thompson, Hundley’s wife was pregnant when she was allegedly punched in the stomach in July of this year. The alleged beating sent her into labor. When the child was delivered, he was then taken to a Birmingham Hospital where he was placed on life support, but subsequently died from the injuries.
Hundley was served the warrant while he was already in the Autauga Metro Jail on unrelated misdemeanor charges, including public intoxication and disorderly conduct. He is being held on a $250,000 bond. If found guilty, or pleading guilty, Hundley could face 10 to 99 years or life for reckless murder.
On August 19, 2020 a GoFundMe Page was organized by Christopher Hundley to help with expenses after the child’s birth, and before he was arrested and accused of beating his pregnant wife. The request said that the child died from “complications in the womb.” The goal was set at $3,500 and so far no one has contributed. The account has been reported to GoFundMe with updated information of his arrest, and his alleged involvement in the infant’s death.
Domestic violence is a very serious problem, and all law enforcement deal with it on a regular basis. Help is available, but many victims are too scared, ashamed or embarrassed to come forward. Many victims are threatened with more violence to them or family members if they tell anyone. Domestic violence has far more reach than just female victims, and includes men and children. It has no basis in color, culture, religion, sex, or financial status.
If you are involved in a relationship that is violent, please reach out to family, law enforcement and agencies such as the Family Support Center for help. You are not alone. All too often victims become murder statistics before they can get away from their abuser. If you suspect a domestic violence situation, please contact local law enforcement wherever you are. Do not ignore signs, and your actions could very well safe a life.
Domestic violence is also more than physical abuse. It also includes mental abuse.
For more information, please contact the Family Sunshine Center in Montgomery, Alabama.
You can reach them through Facebook, their website or by phone. The website is http://familysunshine.org/. The Crisis Line manned 24-hours a day is 800-650-6522.
About Family Sunshine Center
They provide services for victims of domestic violence, family violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Service sites are located in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Perry, and Wilcox.
Contact them by phone at 800-650-6522 Crisis Line (24-hour) or 334-206-2100.
Please reach out for help. You are not alone, help is available, and you can restart your life despite what your abuser may be telling you. If your partner had hit you on the first date, you probably would never have seen them again. Unfortunately, most abusers don’t show obvious signs in the beginning, and only after time do they show their true colors. The abuse usually increases over time, with the abuser apologizing, promising to change. There is no shame for victims of domestic violence. But there is help! Please, reach out to family, friends, law enforcement or agencies who can assist.
