Found Deceased CO - Shanann Watts (34), Celeste"Cece" (3) and Bella (4), Frederick, 13 Aug 2018 *Arrest* #39

[Jennifer17]

Unless SW had been diagnosed with something prior to her death, and it can be proved that she didn't seek any kind of treatment for it, it would be difficult to even show the relevance. I don't know a professional who would attempt to diagnose her post-mortem based upon FB posts, anecdotes, and video clips.

And gossip and hearsay.

 

[margarita25]

Yes, (zero legal experience here) or by releasing those disturbing details the defense will flip it some how for a mistrial, or tainted the jury pool or something sneaky. ?

Indeed.

Also re: the sealed autopsy results, maybe the prosecution is hoping for some on the spot shock value to really help hit it all home with the jury and impact them in the courtroom.

 

[Alethea]

Yes, and can I crack a respectful lawyer joke here and say that “and theeeeeese lawyers actually have a heart!”

(Unlike this defense attorney I was matched up with at a dinner one night. He was talking about a court appearance for a rape case he had in the morning involving a minor, he was saying how “shheeeeeee dressed slutty” and all this other BS and angles/strategies he was planning on pursuing.)

(Et: Sorry for the o/t, I’m a little all over the place today)

People have asked me why I won't do general criminal defense work since I do corporate defense work (think securities fraud or trademark litigation) and am personally interested in crime. And the answer is because I like sleeping at night. I think criminal defense attorneys for violent crimes serve an important part of the criminal justice system, but I only have so many years to live and I don't want to waste them defending people who have killed or raped other people.

 

[MassGuy]

We know CW lied about his affair and lied after the fact, but we have no knowledge that he was a known liar previous to the murders. Jodi lied just to lie and not just after she murdered Travis.
jmo

It doesn’t matter if he was a liar prior to all of this. What matters are his lies after the fact. He cannot be believed here, because he has admitted to lying about it. He only told a version of the truth, when he absolutely had no choice.

This is only a small part of the case against him.

 

[MsBetsy]

I would question why, if he just saw his wife murder his girls, he would choose to wear something she bought him. If my husband killed my kids, I wouldn't even want his underwear drawer near me in the house.

That's a good point. He is outraged that she killed his beloved children, so full of hate that he strangled her in return, and then he wears the shirt she gave him for his interview. Maybe he will say that was all part of his plan to protect her and he was just showing his support.

 

[Jennifer17]

It doesn’t matter if he was a liar prior to all of this. What matters are his lies after the fact. He cannot be believed here, because he has admitted to lying about it. He only told a version of the truth, when he absolutely had no choice.

This is only a small part of the case against him.

Lied about it all until he was given irrefutable proof about his lies, then kept lying. (The affair).

 

[MsBetsy]

We know CW lied about his affair and lied after the fact, but we have no knowledge that he was a known liar previous to the murders. Jodi lied just to lie and not just after she murdered Travis.
jmo

Unless we are to believe his gay lover who said he got tired of all his lies. Don't you think in order to maintain his affair with the other woman he had to tell a multitude of lies to both his wife and the other woman? How can one carry on an affair and not lie? Why do you think he deleted his FB account?

 

[JusticeFever]

It’s entirely possible. I just don’t see enough evidence to indicate one way or another at this point.

Law enforcement and the DA, likely have a much clearer picture at this point. We’ll just have to wait and see what they have.

Thank you. I go back and forth and hoping there will be answers. This is one of the most haunting cases I ever followed, it won't let go.

 

[MyBelle]

If he has told so many lies, wouldn't they question why they should believe him? That is exactly what the jury asked Jodi Arias: " Why should we believe you now?" It seems to be very important to a jury. Imo

I don't know that CW will testify. I really didn't follow the Arias trial.

 

[margarita25]

People have asked me why I won't do general criminal defense work since I do corporate defense work (think securities fraud or trademark litigation) and am personally interested in crime. And the answer is because I like sleeping at night. I think criminal defense attorneys for violent crimes serve an important part of the criminal justice system, but I only have so many years to live and I don't want to waste them defending people who have killed or raped other people.

(Funny you said that, I often ask how some of these people sleep at night lol.

I hear ya, and that’s how I would have personally approached it had I pursued law school (I still have my LSAT book lol). I just can’t see myself defending rapists and killers all day. Not how I would want to spend my efforts and energy in life, moo.)

 

[cailleach]

We know CW lied about his affair and lied after the fact, but we have no knowledge that he was a known liar previous to the murders. Jodi lied just to lie and not just after she murdered Travis.
jmo

Do you believe anyone who isn't a practiced liar could have stood there and put on that performance?

 

[mtnlites]

It doesn’t matter if he was a liar prior to all of this. What matters are his lies after the fact. He cannot be believed here, because he has admitted to lying about it. He only told a version of the truth, when he absolutely had no choice.

This is only a small part of the case against him.

Right. He may or may not be a compulsive liar; to me, that is irrelevant. What IS relevant is the fact that he lied in THIS particular situation.

 

[Layla123]

Ha! Easy answer there. In fact, I won’t say anything.

I think I can finally articulate why everything CW confessed comes across false and insincere. When your child dies, all your hopes and dreams die along with them. Suddenly, your faced with the challenge of trying to find a reason to go on living. Life seems pointless. None of those painful emotions were recognizable in C.W. He got rid of his family as quickly as he could, lied to everyone he knew, including the police. All he cared about was himself. CW is not a man who loved his family.

 

[MyBelle]

Well, for one, I doubt a psychologist is going to diagnose someone who is dead based on snippets of videos. As far as CW goes, I doubt it’s mental health issues, just evil.

In the Christopher Vaughn trial, his wife's mental health records and medications were evidence at trial because he blamed her. I don't believe any parent will kill their child without underlying mental health issues and CW absolutely will have a psych exam.

 

[MsBetsy]

medical records, school records, therapist records, family, friends can be sources at trial. Their financial records may be analyzed by a forensic specialists. But sense you say you don't care, I'll scroll and roll. Have a nice day.

Family and friends may give their opinions, but that does not apply to mental health disorders. Nor do financial records. A therapist can contribute in determing mental health issues, but there is no evidence that either one went to a therapist. The only person who can give a diagnosis is a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.

 

[Ilovemy3boys]

In the Christopher Vaughn trial, his wife's mental health records and medications were evidence at trial because he blamed her. I don't believe any parent will kill their child without underlying mental health issues and CW absolutely will have a psych exam.

There’s no proof that either parent have or don’t have a mental health issue.

<modsnip - unnecessary>

 

[Tippy Lynn]

Unless we are to believe his gay lover who said he got tired of all his lies. Don't you think in order to maintain his affair with the other woman he had to tell a multitude of lies to both his wife and the other woman? How can one carry on an affair and not lie? Why do you think he deleted his FB account?

I don’t put any weight into the guy on AB. Of course he lied about the affair - I’m not discounting his lies surrounding the affair and stated so in my post. The VI stated he deleted his FB account because SW kept posting on it like nothing was wrong when he had told her he wanted a separation and I believe what the VI said.
jmo

 

[Jennifer17]

In the Christopher Vaughn trial, his wife's mental health records and medications were evidence at trial because he blamed her. I don't believe any parent will kill their child without underlying mental health issues and CW absolutely will have a psych exam.

You are ignoring all of the other family annihilators who were found to have no mental illness, just a desire to be free of responsibility to pursue other relationships without the financial constraints of maintaining a family.

 

[tmar]

I've been reading about the new lab also. I love it's "State of the Art" technology. Colorado needed this and I believe it will prove to be an asset in cases just like this one. I honestly believe the situation with the girls submerged in crude oil will prove to be an opportunity for learning and, hopefully, will set precedents on how similar cases will be handled. That felt very cold to type, so I hope my WS peeps understand it was not intended as such. I find the situation appalling and grievous.

If the lab, needs further assistance, there are others, all around the world, specialised in certain fields/aspects.
The different labs all work together, in so many various fields.
One lab cannot specialise in all aspects, as these require specialists and sophisticated machinery.
Tissues are frozen and sent off for further extensive diagnosis.
A small unsophisticated lab, would also have access to the world wide technology in science, in this age.
Sometimes it takes months before the different specialities, are all researched.
Scientists throughout these labs are constantly connected to one another.
It is a different world amongst them, speaking about their procedures, the progress of results etc.
Similarly with technology.
In this case, the oil aspect, and its affects, will be thoroughly inspected, by those with the most expertise.
CW has lost the war.
Nothing will be hidden.

 

[margarita25]

Though I’m not sure that @zencompass, @AnaPisces, @SunVenus and @Spellbound are following this case, I know that they would appreciate me and us (those who want to) sending out loving and healing positive thoughts for little doggie Deiter, that, in addition to all those who loved Shanann and the girls, he too can continue find peace and comfort.