Why Did Chris Watts Murder His Family?
The shocking murder of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, by their husband and father, Chris Watts, sent shockwaves around the world. The case drew widespread media attention and sparked a heated debate about the motivations behind such a heinous crime. In this article, we will delve into the details of the case and explore the reasons behind Chris Watts’ actions.
Who Was Chris Watts?
Chris Watts was a 33-year-old oil and gas company employee who lived with his wife Shanann and their two daughters, Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3, in Frederick, Colorado. On the surface, Chris seemed like a normal, loving husband and father. However, beneath the façade, he was hiding a dark secret.
The Events Leading Up to the Murder
On August 13, 2018, Chris Watts reported to the police that his wife Shanann was missing, along with their two daughters. An investigation was launched, and Chris cooperated fully, providing the police with his wife’s phone and keys. However, as the investigation progressed, it became clear that Chris was hiding something.
The Discovery of the Bodies
On August 15, 2018, Chris led the police to a remote oil site where he claimed to have buried Shanann’s body. However, when the police arrived, they found the bodies of all three women, buried in shallow graves. Autopsies revealed that the women had been strangled, and Shanann had also been smothered.
The Investigation
As the investigation continued, detectives uncovered a web of deceit and manipulation. Chris had been leading a double life, with multiple affairs and a deep-seated resentment towards his wife. The police also discovered that Chris had been planning the murders for some time, using a combination of manipulation and coercion to lure his family to their deaths.
Why Did Chris Watts Murder His Family?
So, why did Chris Watts murder his family? The answer is complex and multifaceted.
Financial Motives
Chris was deeply in debt, with over $100,000 in outstanding credit card debt. He had also been embezzling money from his employer, Anadarko Petroleum. Chris stood to gain a significant amount of money from his wife’s life insurance policy, which was worth $250,000.
Infidelity
Chris had been having multiple affairs, including with a co-worker, Nichol Kessinger, who was also pregnant. Chris had been planning to leave his wife and start a new life with Kessinger.
Domestic Violence
Chris had a history of domestic violence, with Shanann having reported several incidents to the police. Chris had also been emotionally abusive, controlling, and manipulative towards his wife.
Psychological Factors
Chris had a history of anxiety and depression, which may have contributed to his increasing paranoia and feelings of being trapped in his marriage. He may have seen the murder as a way to escape his problems and start anew.
The Final Days
In the days leading up to the murders, Chris had been in a state of high anxiety, constantly checking his phone and computer for any signs of his wife’s discovery. He had also been planning the murders, using a combination of manipulation and coercion to lure his family to their deaths.
The Aftermath
Chris Watts was arrested and charged with the murders of his wife and daughters. In November 2018, he pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to five consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.
Conclusion
The murder of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters by their husband and father, Chris Watts, is a tragic and senseless act of violence. While Chris Watts’ motivations were complex and multifaceted, it is clear that he was driven by a combination of financial, emotional, and psychological factors. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence, infidelity, and financial greed.
Table: The Key Factors Leading to the Murder
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial Motives | Chris was deeply in debt and stood to gain from his wife’s life insurance policy |
| Infidelity | Chris was having multiple affairs, including with a co-worker |
| Domestic Violence | Chris had a history of physical and emotional abuse towards his wife |
| Psychological Factors | Chris had a history of anxiety and depression, which may have contributed to his increasing paranoia and feelings of being trapped in his marriage |
Bullets: Key Takeaways
• Chris Watts’ motivations were complex and multifaceted, driven by a combination of financial, emotional, and psychological factors.
• The murder was a planned and premeditated act, with Chris using manipulation and coercion to lure his family to their deaths.
• The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence, infidelity, and financial greed.
• Chris Watts’ sentence of five consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole is a fitting punishment for his heinous crimes.
