CO - Shanann Watts (34), Celeste"Cece" (3) and Bella (4), Frederick, 13 Aug 2018 *Arrest* #16

[margarita25]

Here's an excellent article that details the procedure for death penalty cases in Colorado.

Colorado capital punishment: Could Christopher Watts face the death penalty?

From the above link:

“If jurors unanimously agree that the aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating factors, then they could choose the death penalty. But, if they believe that the mitigating factors outweigh the aggravating ones or they can't come to a unanimous decision, then the defendant would face life in prison without the possibility of parole.“

 

[MassGuy]

Here's an excellent article that details the procedure for death penalty cases in Colorado.

Colorado capital punishment: Could Christopher Watts face the death penalty?

Very interesting. The fact that only one person has been executed since 1997, almost makes this a moot point. I think the heinous nature of this case, and the emotional response that people have to it (kids being involved), makes the death penalty more probable than in most other cases, regardless as to if it is ever carried out.

 

[Jennifer17]

I would rather be given the death sentence than spend the rest of my days locked up without the possibility of ever being freed.

 

[Bill Carson]

Very interesting. The fact that only one person has been executed since 1997, almost makes this a moot point. I think the heinous nature of this case, and the emotional response that people have to it (kids being involved), makes the death penalty more probable than in most other cases, regardless as to if it is ever carried out.

And not just one since 1997----one since the death penalty was reinstated in 1974. But I didn't realize until I read that article that there are four people on death row in Colorado. It doesn't sound like the state is in any hurry to execute them.

I agree that the facts of this case are particularly heinous, and they may seek the death penalty. I just doubt it for reasons that I will set out in a separate post.

Edited to correct date of Furman v. Georgia, which reinstituted the death penalty in the United States.

 

[Ronso]

I am absolutely mortified, disgusted and saddened that Boles Funeral Home, who streamed the live service today for Shanann and the girls, just had to post this:

Boles Funeral Homes & Crematory

—see post from 3 hours ago today
(That they are “feeling heartbroken”, as they had to delete negative and unnecessary comments made throughout the live stream and that it’s a shame that they even had to do this.)

I noticed a lot of people raging about CW in the comments and while, yes, he's a monster for what he's done, it's NOT appropriate to voice that on a livestream of their funeral. I was really dumbfounded.

 

[MassGuy]

And not just one since 1997----one since the death penalty was reinstated in 1977. But I didn't realize until I read that article that there are four people on death row in Colorado. It doesn't sound like the state is in any hurry to execute them.

I agree that the facts of this case are particularly heinous, and they may seek the death penalty. I just doubt it for reasons that I will set out in a separate post.

I do like the leverage here, even though this isn’t Texas, it may force him to think twice, and take a plea.

 

[margarita25]

My heart cannot take this. God bless them and may they Rest In Peace.

Mrspratcher,

I was just sitting outside enjoying a beautiful evening watching all the little kids go by on their bikes, some very little with their moms and dads...I was just thinking about the girls, if they would have been outside on this beautiful evening.

Did the family ride bikes? Just wondering. CW seems like the bicycle riding type to me, jmo.

 

[mtnlites]

I am absolutely mortified, disgusted and saddened that Boles Funeral Home, who streamed the live service today for Shanann and the girls, just had to post this:

Boles Funeral Homes & Crematory

—see post from 3 hours ago today
(That they are “feeling heartbroken”, as they had to delete negative and unnecessary comments made throughout the live stream and that it’s a shame that they even had to do this.)

There's not a single word or phrase that I could use to respond to this that wouldn't get me a TO. People are disappointing. I feel awful for the fam.

 

[skyedaze]

Very interesting. The fact that only one person has been executed since 1997, almost makes this a moot point. I think the heinous nature of this case, and the emotional response that people have to it (kids being involved), makes the death penalty more probable than in most other cases, regardless as to if it is ever carried out.

I agree. I guess we will have to wait to find out for sure. To me, if this isn't a case you try for the death penalty then what is?

 

[margarita25]

I noticed a lot of people raging about CW in the comments and while, yes, he's a monster for what he's done, it's NOT appropriate to voice that on a livestream of their funeral. I was really dumbfounded.

Ok, so the comments were mostly about CW? I agree not appropriate, but I feel better to know it was about him and not them. Because I’m getting really upset seeing the disgusting comments by trolls under msm articles.

 

[RavenCC2020]

I'm way behind... on the last thread still but read something that has been posted many times, that SW was posting her family photos etc on her SM attempting to give the picture of the perfect family. I thought that myself but didn't consider another obvious reason she did that until I just did it myself. SW only had one FB page that I know of and she used to for both marketing and personal uses.

I still do think she did want her followers (fellow THRIVE people as well as friends yet to be recruited) to have the impression she was living the life. The other very simple reason she did this is because both of her parents had their own FB accounts. She COULD be posting those happy family pictures for them to keep (which all in our family do when they have really nice pics to share) and ALSO perhaps as a verification to her family that all was well. They did move hundreds of miles if not over a thousand miles away from NC to CO leaving their families behind. I'm sure her mom and dad wanted to see recent pics of the kids since they were not seeing them in person. At least they could watch them grow and discover new things. You still feel a part of their lives even though you are not in close proximity. She probably FT'd them as well. I would imagine they were worried about SW moving to a new state, no friends, network to count on. After filing bankruptcy they were probably even more concerned about how life was going out there for them all. Those happy pictures would be a way to show mom and dad all was well, don't worry about us.

 

[mickey2942]

I wonder what SW's family will want? Usually the victims family, and especially in a high profile case like this, will be able to put input on what they would like. They may want this to go away, or they may want a full trial, including the death penalty.

If this was my daughter, I am not really sure what I would want. No win here, no matter what.

 

[PommyMommy]

As I was saying to MyBelle, I would be shocked if this case goes to trial. I think he'll plead for life without parole. If they seek the death penalty (which I doubt), then it may go to trial.

Keep in mind that they don't have to have a defense. They can just sit back and throw rocks at the state's case. It's the state's burden to convince the jury that he's guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and it's the defense's job to try to poke holes in the state's case. Now, I don't think the state will have any problem proving its case. (But Marcia Clark thought she'd win, too.)

Edited for clarification.

Do you see any reason other than saving taxpayers the expense of a trial, for the prosecution to offer a plea?

If there is no plea offered, then what is left is 1) same story, 2) a new story or 3) throw rocks.

Is that right?

 

[Ronso]

Ok, so the comments were mostly about CW? I agree not appropriate, but I feel better to know it was about him and not them. Because I’m getting really upset seeing the disgusting comments by trolls under msm articles.

I didn't notice any negative comments towards Shan'ann, Belle, or CeCe. Not to say they weren't there, because comments were moving quickly. I only noticed people going on and on about CW burning in hell and things of that nature.

 

[MKZoo]

I think the horror of this story compels all of us to seek an answer to the question why. I’m wholly unqualified to diagnose whatever may be going on with CW, other than to say that imo, a mentally healthy man doesn’t murder his entire family.

Is it possible that certain aspects of SW’s personality became flashpoints for CW as the situation grew worse? Sure. But I also know there is absolutely nothing she could have ever done or said that would warrant the price she paid at his hands. That is entirely on him and him alone.

I hope, especially for her family, that a trial will provide some answers but it often leaves the big questions unanswered.

 

[margarita25]

I didn't notice any negative comments towards Shan'ann, Belle, or CeCe. Not to say they weren't there, because comments were moving quickly. I only noticed people going on and on about CW burning in hell and things of that nature.

(Thanks, Ronso. I was going to watch the service then saw that @Jax49 was sobbing here. I decided I better not...)

 

[MyBelle]

And not just one since 1997----one since the death penalty was reinstated in 1977. But I didn't realize until I read that article that there are four people on death row in Colorado. It doesn't sound like the state is in any hurry to execute them.

I agree that the facts of this case are particularly heinous, and they may seek the death penalty. I just doubt it for reasons that I will set out in a separate post.

I got the impression from listening to today's service that SW's family don't want the death penalty.

 

[margarita25]

I wonder what SW's family will want? Usually the victims family, and especially in a high profile case like this, will be able to put input on what they would like. They may want this to go away, or they may want a full trial, including the death penalty.

If this was my daughter, I am not really sure what I would want. No win here, no matter what.

Great point. I wonder what they prefer...poor people, ugh, I hate it.

 

[Hazelnutty]

Rough! If that were me, I’d burn the house down, just to be safe. I hate spiders, even imaginary ones.

No kidding! I googled Neurontin hallucinations --- others get tiny glittering planets with twirling , sparkling rings rotating around the sun, rainbows, huge flowers. Me? Damned 3 lb tarantula with at least 25 long disgusting hairy legs.

 

[Dum-Dum Sucker]

So why do you think the state will not seek the death penalty?

During today's service, did I hear a priest say something about the family having no desire for retribution/revenge....no desire for more death?

If I heard somewhat correctly, and this in fact is the stand of the family, then maybe they would request to take the Death Penalty off the table?