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SMITHLAND, Ky. (AP) - The mother of a western Kentucky man who pleaded guilty to killing three children says she "couldn't believe it" when her son was arrested in the slayings.

When she learned of Kevin Wayne Dunlap's arrest in October 2008, Sheila Dunlap says she "couldn't believe it because I know his heart and I know how much he loves children."

She was testifying Monday as part of Dunlap's sentencing trial in Livingston County.

Dunlap, 37, has pleaded guilty to the slayings of the three children and to assaulting and raping their mother in rural Trigg County near Fort Campbell in October 2008. Sheila Dunlap was testifying on behalf of her son, who she says didn't have a normal childhood due to his domineering father.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

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