Man charged with capital murder in death of unborn child in Hoover

Police have formally charged a 29-year-old man accused of beating his ex-girlfriend and killing her unborn child on Tuesday.

Christopher Ammons Kemp of Center Point was charged Wednesday with capital murder during the commission of a first-degree burglary and first-degree domestic violence. 

“The murder charge stems from a section of the Alabama Law that allows authorities to charge a suspect with the murder of another human being, including an unborn child,” Hoover police said in a release.

Tuesday at 6:35 p.m., Hoover police officers responded to a report of an assault that had occurred at a residence on Larkspur Drive. Police said a 28-year-old woman was found walking near the roadway near her home and appeared to be suffering from serious injuries.

The victim was treated by paramedics and transported to UAB Hospital by a Hoover Fire Department rescue unit.

The victim informed officers she was seven months pregnant, according to the report, and while she was being treated, hospital personnel informed investigators the unborn baby had died.

"This is one of the most disgusting and horrific cases that we’ve worked in quite a while," Capt. Gregg Rector said. "This evil individual once had a relationship with the victim and was very much aware that she was pregnant."

According to police, the victim identified her attacker as her ex-boyfriend, who was later identified as Kemp. An area-wide BOLO, “Be on the lookout,” naming the suspect and providing possible vehicle descriptions was sent to other law enforcement agencies.

Kemp was taken into custody without incident by Birmingham police Wednesday around 1:30 a.m., according to police. He was apprehended when leaving a home in Center Point and transported to the Hoover City Jail.

The capital murder charge has no bond, and the first-degree domestic violence charge carries a $100,000 bond.

"He violently and viciously attacked her, and our society will be much safer if he never walks free again," Rector said. "The victim had clearly ended the relationship with the suspect and was attempting to move on with her life. After suffering such a brutal attack, our hopes and prayers are that someday she may have a full recovery."