Chris Watts Case
A child-victim focused case file for the murders of Shanann Watts, Bella Watts, Celeste Watts, and unborn Nico Watts.
Reference Card
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Overview
This case belongs best under Other Crimes Against Childrenbecause it includes child victims and is not a serial killer, spree killer, or child-on-child homicide case.
Victim List
Shanann Watts
Listed victim in the Watts family murder case.
Bella Watts
Listed victim in the Watts family murder case.
Celeste Watts
Listed victim in the Watts family murder case.
Unborn child Nico Watts
Listed victim in the Watts family murder case.
What Happened
In August 2018, Shanann Watts and her daughters Bella and Celeste were reported missing from Frederick, Colorado. The case quickly drew national attention after Chris Watts appeared publicly while investigators continued searching for his family.
Investigators later recovered the bodies of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste. Chris Watts pleaded guilty and was sentenced to multiple life sentences without parole.
Case Breakdown
Family reported missing
Shanann Watts and her daughters Bella and Celeste were reported missing from Frederick, Colorado in August 2018.
Public appeal and investigation
Chris Watts initially gave public statements while investigators reviewed the disappearance and searched for the family.
Bodies recovered
Investigators later recovered the bodies of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste from locations connected to Watts' workplace.
Guilty plea
Chris Watts pleaded guilty in the murders of Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and unborn Nico.
Sentencing
He was sentenced to multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole.