Tatom accepted a plea deal in the case of Cristi Ruso-Tampering with a Human Corpse

Colby Tatom being escorted out of the court room by Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, and Chief Deputy Larry Pulliam

The case of the missing Buna woman, Cristi Ruso is over.

30-year-old Colby Tatom appeared before District Judge Craig Mixon where Tatom shocked onlookers by admitting to shooting and killing Ruso inside his home and and disposing of her body on October 21, 2021.

In testimony, Tatom said that Ruso had been at his house earlier that day, but that she left for a while. He said that he has very impaired from drug use and paranoid. He said he didn't know that it was Ruso when she came back into the house. That is when he shot her in the head, killing her. He said that he was terrified that CPS would get involved if he called to report the shooting. His 7-month-old child was there at the time.

Tatom said that he carried Ruso out into his yard where he 'cremated' her body with sticks and old tires.

Tatom said that he then began cleaning up the blood, trying to hide the evidence.

Then, according to his testimony, Tatom put Ruso's remains in a barrel and dumped them in the river.

Tatom agreed to take officials to the home where Ruso was killed and then to the river where her remains were dumped.

Tatom said, "Now that I'm sober I severely regret the entire situation. I realize how wrong I was and had I been sober, I wouldn't have reacted like I did. I wouldn't have done it." Tatom concluded his statement by telling Ruso's family, "I haven't been sober in at least a decade. I was heavily using...I'm sorry."

Ruso's Aunt, Debra Williams, gave a victim impact system. Dressed in a red blouse, Williams said, " I chose to wear red, not green like (other family members wore in Ruso's memory) but red for Cristi's blood that you shed! I want you to forever remember what you did to her and our family. When you come up for parole, I will be there wearing red for her, reminding you again what you did!"

Cristi's Aunt Debbie Wilson who's name became synonymous with the case, also spoke. "I know you Colby and I know that you know me. I took Cristi to your house that day. I don't know how you can shoot someone in the head and burn them to bones and just move on like nothing happened? I told her that I loved her when I dropped her off. She told me the same. Her last words to me... I have prayed for you and I have forgiven you, not for you, but for myself."

Tatom agreed to a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to Tampering With a Human Corpse and received 20 years. It is a 2nd degree felony. 20 years is the maximum time he will serve.