In August 2018, the serene town of Frederick, Colorado, became the epicenter of a horrifying crime that would captivate and horrify the world. Chris Watts, a seemingly devoted husband and father, murdered his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts, and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste. This case, marked by deceit, betrayal, and cold-blooded murder, offers a disturbing glimpse into the darkness that can lurk behind the facade of a perfect family.
The Watts Family: A Portrait of Normalcy
Chris Watts and Shanann Cathryn Rzucek met in 2010 and married in 2012. They settled in Frederick, Colorado, and had two daughters: Bella Marie, born in 2013, and Celeste Cathryn (“CeCe”), born in 2015. At the time of the murders, Shanann was 15 weeks pregnant with their third child, a boy they planned to name Nico Lee. Chris worked for Anadarko Petroleum, while Shanann was an independent representative for the wellness brand Thrive. Their social media profiles depicted a happy, thriving family, masking underlying tensions and financial struggles, including a bankruptcy filing in 2015.
Timeline of Events
June–July 2018: The Affair Begins
In June 2018, Chris began an affair with Nichol Kessinger, a co-worker at Anadarko Petroleum. He told Kessinger that he was in the process of divorcing Shanann. Their relationship intensified over the summer, with frequent meetings and trips, even as Shanann and the children were away visiting family.
August 13, 2018: The Murders
In the early hours of August 13, Shanann returned home from a business trip. According to Chris’s later confession, they argued about their marriage and his affair. He claimed that Shanann threatened to take the children away, leading him to strangle her to death. He then smothered his daughters, Bella (4) and Celeste (3), and transported all three bodies to an oil site where he worked. Shanann was buried in a shallow grave, while the girls’ bodies were placed in separate oil tanks.
August 14–15, 2018: The Investigation Begins
Shanann’s friend, Nickole Atkinson, reported her missing after she failed to attend a doctor’s appointment. Police found Shanann’s purse, phone, and keys at the house, raising suspicions. Chris initially claimed ignorance of their whereabouts and made public appeals for their return. However, inconsistencies in his story and a failed polygraph test led to his arrest on August 15.
August 16, 2018: Discovery of the Bodies
Investigators located the bodies at the oil site. Shanann was found in a shallow grave, and the girls were discovered in oil tanks. The gruesome nature of the crime shocked the community and the nation.
November 6, 2018: Guilty Plea
Chris Watts pleaded guilty to multiple counts of first-degree murder, unlawful termination of a pregnancy, and tampering with a deceased human body. The plea deal spared him the death penalty, honoring the wishes of Shanann’s family.
November 19, 2018: Sentencing
Judge Marcelo Kopcow sentenced Chris to five life sentences without the possibility of parole, including 48 years for the unlawful termination of Shanann’s pregnancy and 36 years for tampering with the bodies. The judge described the murders as “the most inhumane and vicious crime” he had encountered.
December 3, 2018: Prison Transfer
Due to safety concerns, Chris was transferred from Colorado to Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin, where he remains incarcerated.
The Victims: Remembering Shanann, Bella, and Celeste
Shanann Watts, born on January 10, 1984, was known for her vibrant personality and dedication to her family. She actively shared her life on social media, portraying a loving household. Bella and Celeste were described as sweet and energetic children. The family was eagerly anticipating the arrival of baby Nico. Their tragic deaths left a void in the community and highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence.
The Perpetrator: Chris Watts
Chris Watts, born on May 16, 1985, appeared to be a devoted husband and father. However, his affair with Nichol Kessinger and subsequent actions revealed a darker side. In prison, Chris has expressed remorse and has been involved in religious studies. He has also received correspondence from admirers, a phenomenon that has puzzled many.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
The Watts family murders garnered extensive media coverage. In 2020, Netflix released a documentary titled “American Murder: The Family Next Door,” which utilized social media posts, text messages, and law enforcement footage to provide an in-depth look at the case. The documentary sparked discussions about the nature of domestic violence and the facades people maintain.
Recent Developments
As of 2025, Chris Watts remains incarcerated in Wisconsin. He has continued to correspond with individuals outside prison, including sharing reflections on his crimes. Shanann’s family has been active in raising awareness about domestic violence, advocating for victims, and preserving the memory of Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and Nico.
Conclusion
The Chris Watts case serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for darkness behind closed doors. It underscores the importance of recognizing the signs of domestic abuse and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals. As the world continues to grapple with the implications of this tragedy, the memories of Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and Nico endure as a testament to the lives lost and the enduring impact of their story.
