Chris Watts: The Father Who Murdered His Pregnant Wife and Two Young Daughters for a 'Fresh Start'
He strangled his pregnant wife, smothered his daughters aged 4 and 3, then went to work and acted normal on TV
Key Facts
What Happened
Chris and Shanann Watts appeared to be a picture-perfect family in Frederick, Colorado. Shanann was an outgoing social media personality who frequently posted about their seemingly happy life with their two daughters, Bella (4) and Celeste (3). Shanann was 15 weeks pregnant with a boy they planned to name Nico. But behind the Facebook facade, Chris had begun a secret affair with a coworker named Nichol Kessinger and was planning to leave his family.
In the early hours of August 13, 2018, Chris strangled Shanann in their bed while she slept. He then loaded her body and the two girls — who were still alive — into his work truck. He drove to a remote oil field site operated by his employer, Anadarko Petroleum. There, he smothered four-year-old Bella and three-year-old Celeste with a blanket, then forced their small bodies through eight-inch hatches into separate oil storage tanks. He buried Shanann in a shallow grave nearby.
That afternoon, when Shanann's friend reported her missing, Chris went on local television and made a tearful plea for his family's safe return. His performance was unconvincing. Within 48 hours, police had identified inconsistencies in his story. After a polygraph test, Chris confessed — initially claiming Shanann had killed the girls and he killed her in a rage, then eventually admitting he had killed all three. Nichol Kessinger, who was unaware of the murders, cooperated fully with police.
On November 6, 2018, Chris Watts pled guilty to nine charges: three counts of first-degree murder, one count of unlawful termination of a pregnancy, and charges related to tampering with deceased bodies. He was sentenced to five life sentences — three consecutive and two concurrent — without the possibility of parole, plus 48 years for the unlawful termination of Shanann's pregnancy and 36 years for body tampering. He is incarcerated at Dodge Correctional Institution in Wisconsin. The case was documented in the Netflix film 'American Murder: The Family Next Door' (2020) and remains one of the most horrifying family annihilation cases in modern history.
Legal Breakdown: Safety Planning
Family Annihilation: A Recognized Pattern
Chris Watts fits the profile of a 'family annihilator' — a category studied by criminologists. These perpetrators are typically male, often having an affair, and view their family as an obstacle to their desired new life. Rather than face the financial and social consequences of divorce, they choose to eliminate their family entirely. Warning signs include emotional withdrawal, sudden disinterest in family life, secretive behavior, and expressions like wanting a 'fresh start.' If your spouse exhibits these changes alongside a hidden relationship, take them seriously.
The Social Media Facade
Shanann's social media posts painted a picture of marital bliss right up until the end. This case is a stark reminder that public-facing happiness does not reflect private reality. If you sense something is wrong in your marriage — trust your instincts, not the social media persona. Friends and family of couples in distress should look beyond curated online images and check in privately.
Divorce Was Always an Option
Colorado is a no-fault divorce state. Chris Watts could have filed for divorce at any time. The financial consequences — child support, spousal support, property division — would have been significant but survivable. Instead, he chose to murder his pregnant wife and two toddlers. This case underscores a critical message: divorce, no matter how painful or expensive, is infinitely better than the alternative. If you feel trapped in a marriage, there are always legal, financial, and emotional resources available.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →If your spouse suddenly becomes emotionally withdrawn, disinterested in family, or secretive about their phone and schedule, these are warning signs that demand attention — not dismissal.
- →Pregnancy is a statistically high-risk period for intimate partner violence. If you feel unsafe while pregnant, contact the National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.
- →Social media is not reality. Do not assume a marriage is healthy because it looks good online. Check in privately with loved ones you are worried about.
- →Divorce is always an option. Every state offers no-fault divorce. Legal aid, therapists, and support groups exist to help you through the process safely.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.