Chris Watts Murdered His Family Shanann, Bella, and Celeste in Frederick Colorado

The murder of Shanann Watts and her two daughters, Bella and Celeste, by her husband Chris Watts on August 13, 2018, in Frederick, Colorado, is one of the most shocking family annihilation cases in recent history. This tragedy captivated the nation not only due to the horrifying nature of the crimes but also because of the public façade that Chris Watts maintained before his arrest.

This article takes a deep dive into the timeline, key events, and aftermath of the case.

A Picture of a Happy Family

Chris and Shanann Watts seemed to be living the quintessential American dream. Shanann frequently posted updates about their life on social media, sharing photos of their two beautiful daughters, Bella (4) and Celeste (3), and expressing excitement about her third pregnancy. She was an advocate for a healthy lifestyle and worked as a marketing representative, which helped her support her family.

Behind the smiles and affectionate posts, however, cracks were beginning to show in their marriage.

The Final Hours: August 12–13, 2018

On August 12, 2018, Shanann returned home to Colorado from a business trip in Arizona. During the trip, her friends noticed that she was anxious and emotionally exhausted. She had been exchanging texts with her close friends, expressing concerns about her deteriorating marriage. Shanann confided that Chris had become distant, and she feared that he no longer loved her.

When Shanann arrived home around 1:48 AM on August 13, her friend and colleague, Nicole Atkinson, dropped her off and watched to ensure she entered safely. Little did anyone know that Shanann’s life—and the lives of her daughters—were about to end.

The Murders of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste Watts

Shortly after Shanann returned home, Chris Watts confronted her. In a post-arrest confession, Chris claimed that they argued about their marriage and his desire to separate. When Shanann accused him of having an affair, he snapped. Chris strangled Shanann in their bedroom while Bella and Celeste were asleep.

Tragically, the horror didn’t end there. After murdering Shanann, Chris smothered his two daughters, despite their cries for help and desperate attempts to survive. Bella, the eldest, fought back, as evidenced by the defensive injuries discovered during the autopsy.

The Grisly Disposal of the Bodies

Chris Watts’ next actions were cold and calculated. He transported Shanann’s body—wrapped in a blanket—and his two daughters to his worksite at an oil storage facility. There, he buried Shanann in a shallow grave and callously disposed of his daughters by forcing their bodies into oil tanks. These actions underscored the brutality and heartlessness of his crimes.

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The Investigation and Chris Watts’ Deceptive Public Persona

On August 13, Nicole Atkinson became concerned after Shanann failed to respond to calls and texts. She went to the Watts home and noticed that Shanann’s car was still parked in the garage. After failing to reach her friend, Nicole called the police to report Shanann and the children missing.

When officers arrived, Chris Watts appeared cooperative but strangely calm. He allowed them to search the house and gave vague explanations for Shanann’s disappearance. In the days that followed, Chris appeared on television, pleading for his family’s return. However, many people—including investigators—found his demeanor suspicious.

The Polygraph and Confession

The turning point in the investigation came when Chris agreed to take a polygraph test on August 15. He failed the test spectacularly, and investigators pressed him for answers. Faced with mounting evidence, Chris confessed to the murders. At first, he tried to claim that he only killed Shanann after she harmed the children. However, his story quickly unraveled, and he admitted to committing all three murders.

Chris Watts’ Affair and Motive

It was revealed that Chris Watts had been having an affair with a co-worker named Nichol Kessinger. The affair had been ongoing for months, and Chris had been planning to start a new life with her. Investigators believe that Chris murdered his family to escape his responsibilities and pursue a relationship with Kessinger without the burden of his marriage or children.

Autopsy Reports and Forensic Evidence

The autopsies of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste provided harrowing details about their deaths. Shanann was strangled, as indicated by broken blood vessels in her eyes and damage to her throat. Bella and Celeste’s autopsies revealed they died from smothering, with evidence of defensive wounds on Bella, indicating that she fought for her life.

The forensic evidence was damning and played a crucial role in securing Chris Watts’ guilty plea.

The Sentencing of Chris Watts

In November 2018, Chris Watts pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder, unlawful termination of a pregnancy, and tampering with a deceased human body. In exchange for his guilty plea, the prosecution agreed not to pursue the death penalty. Chris was sentenced to five life terms without the possibility of parole, three to be served consecutively and two concurrently.

The Aftermath and Public Reaction

The Watts family murders sent shockwaves throughout the nation and beyond. The public was appalled by the senseless nature of the crimes and Chris Watts’ attempt to present himself as a loving, grieving husband and father. Documentaries, books, and investigative reports have continued to keep the case in the public eye, while discussions about domestic violence and family annihilation have increased.

The tragedy has also prompted conversations about warning signs in toxic relationships and the importance of supporting those who may be experiencing emotional or physical abuse.

Shanann’s Legacy and Family Resilience

Shanann’s family has worked tirelessly to preserve her legacy and that of Bella and Celeste. They have spoken openly about their grief and their hope that their story can raise awareness about domestic violence. Shanann’s life, once shared through social media posts filled with positivity and love, is now remembered as a story of resilience, motherhood, and strength.

The Legacy of the Watts Case

The murder of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste Watts is a harrowing reminder of how appearances can be deceiving. While the Watts family seemed idyllic from the outside, the reality was much darker. Chris Watts’ actions were driven by selfishness and deceit, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives.

The case continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of early intervention in domestic violence cases and the need to support families experiencing conflict and emotional distress.