NOV 19, 2018
Chris Watts sentenced to life without parole in killings of young daughters, pregnant wife - CBS News
Calling the crime the most "inhumane and vicious" he had seen in his career, a judge sentenced Watts to terms of life without parole for each of the killings and to a consecutive sentence of 48 years in the killing of the unborn child, whom the couple called Nico. Watts received additional 12-year sentences on evidence tampering counts.
Prosecutors have said they agreed not to seek the death penalty in exchange for Watts' guilty plea, after seeking approval from Shanann Watts' family. First-degree murder charges in Colorado require a minimum sentence of life without a chance at parole for adults.
Members of Shanann Watts' family gave emotional testimony during the hearing Monday. Shanann Watts' father called Chris Watts and "evil monster."
"How dare you take the lives of my daughter, Bella, Celeste and Nico," Frank Rzucek said. "I trusted you to take care of them, not kill them."
Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke said Watts strangled his wife to death with his hands in an "uncontrolled, vengeful manner" after an argument.
"The horror that she felt as the man she loved wrapped his hands around her throat and choked the life out of her must have been unimaginable," Rourke said.
He then smothered the girls, 3 and 4, Rourke said. Defensive wounds on Bella Watts' body showed that the child fought for her life, Rourke said.
Chris Watts, who appeared emotional during the testimony, elected not to speak. He is represented by the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender, which does not comment on pending cases.
'Monstrous' Chris Watts, Who Murdered His Whole Family, Will Spend the Rest of His Life in Prison
At Monday’s hearing, Shan’ann’s parents and brother read a series of emotional statements mourning the loss of her and her girls and excoriating Chris for his crimes.
“What kind of person slaughters the people they love the most?” Frankie Rzucek, Shan’ann’s brother, said in a statement read on his behalf.
Shan’ann’s father, Frank Rzucek, repeatedly referred to Chris as a monster and an evil person.
Said Sandra Rzucek, Shan’ann’s mother: “I have no idea who gave you the right to take their lives but I know God and his mighty angels were there in that moment to bring them home to paradise.”
At the sentencing, prosecutors said Chris strangled Shan’ann by hand and smothered his daughters.