Found Deceased CO - Shanann Watts (34), Celeste"Cece" (3) and Bella (4), Frederick, 13 Aug 2018 *Arrest* #41

[bonjoviblonde]

He's not innocent. He confessed to killing his pregnant wife.

I’m pretty sure everyone knew my post was regarding the girls murders since that’s the crime some people think he’s innocent of.

 

[Desdemona81]

We know that he initially denied knowing where his family was, and denied having an affair.

After he spoke with his father, his story changed to SW strangled the kids, I strangled her, and dumped their bodies.

This confession was misreported as CW confessing to killing them all.

I don’t think Affidavit of Arrest says that he denied anything . If it was true then law enforcement didn’t do a good job and it should have been mentioned in AA that he initially denied and then confessed IMO .

 

[gitana1]

"That said, Mr. Watts’ rights to a fundamentally fair proceeding and, ultimately, a fair and impartial jury at trial, have been so substantially damaged in this case, it does not seem that any prophylactic order, at least on the narrow issue of whether the autopsies should be released, can serve to salvage the wreckage of those rights which may remain."

Wow. Very strong wording here! Salvage the wreckage of those rights?!

Lol!!

BTW guys, a lot of this is about preserving his rights for appeal.

Anything they don't bring up now cannot be used for an appeal later. That's why defense teams file so many motions that seem to go nowhere.

They have a function.

 

[pocketaccent]

Well, if his porch interviews are anything to go by, if he takes the stand it will be very interesting. Of course his DT will have coached him, but still. I think it would be a very bad move by the DT to put CW on the stand because he's not very likable and he stammers when he's lying.

I know, but, if death penalty case, the defense may not have any other choice. Let him talk and let the jury get to know him. It's hard to vote for death someone you 'know'. Remember Arias?

 

[?mysterian?]

BBM

Innocent people call the police. Innocent people don't hide bodies.

Even claiming self defense, you don't hide bodies.

Welcome to Websleuths, Anicole!

 

[JDough]

That doesn't answer my query but I appreciate the reply and input.

Hi Flourish!
I'll take a stab at your question!
I (personally) don't mind CW telling his side of things. Whatever his defense may be; he is entitled to it.
My only hope is that whatever story/defense he uses can be proven or dis-proven. I hope there is enough evidence (I suspect there will be), that there is no room for doubt, or a hung jury. I want to see justice, not just for SW, BW, CeW, and Nico. But for their families too.

 

[Best of What's Around]

I don’t think Affidavit of Arrest says that he denied anything . If it was true then law enforcement didn’t do a good job and it should have been mentioned in AA that he initially denied and then confessed IMO .

He denied knowing anything to the public on television multiple times. The affidavit you referenced also notes repeated times CW stated to police his first version of events, which was to deny the affair, deny knowledge of where his family was and say he saw them before he left for work at home. Alive.

 

[Mark Morris]

Having followed the thread from its inception, I'd like to ask if anyone see's any other plausible senario's in addition to the following (I'm not including involvement of any AP theories!) ...... I am being objective and not taking any particular view point but trying to look at arguments from both sides, given what we know so far. I'm no legal expert and ALL is very much MOO.
PS If anyone can clarify when Dieter was heard barking I'd be grateful. Here are my 5 scenarios:

Senario 1:
SW returns at 0148 Monday, CW already in bed (asper porch statement), SW goes to sleep until 0400 when CW declares he wants a seperation, possible "emotional discussion" ensues. CW goes downstairs for a moment before returning to see SW actively strangling CCW with BW already dead, CW proceeds to strangle and kill SW. As per CW confession.
Possible outcome: CW guilty of 2nd degree Murder of SW, BW & CCW murdered by SW.
Precedence: ..... unknown??
Likelyhood: Certain if CW is telling the truth. Very unlikely if CW lying.

Senario 2:
CW killed B&CCW after the party (between approx.1700 Sunday and 0100 Monday). SW returns at 0148, presumably doesn't check on the girls and goes to bed. CW murders SW btn approx. 0148 and 0500. Proceeds to load bodies into pickup at approx 0515.
Possible outcome: Premeditated murder in the 1st degree x5.
Precedence: Many cases AFAIK - Christian Longo, Robert Fisher, Neil Entwistle, SP etc etc While not EXACTLY the same circumstances, they were Family Annihilators who did not commit suicide.
Likelyhood: Possible if CW lying, but unlikely given risk of SW alerting neighbous/making noise, also CW would have possibly showed signs of being in a physical fight to the death. Also this scenario would allow more time for setting the scene.

Senario 3:
B&CCW asleep in bed. SW returns at 0148, possibly checking on the girls before going to bed. CW proceeds to murder SW btn 0200 and 0430, probably after she falls asleep. CW proceeds to kill B&CCW btn approx. 0200 and 0500. Bodies loaded into pickup approx 0515.
Possible outcome: Premeditated murder in the 1st degree x5.
Precedence: see (2)
Likelyhood: Possible, given suitcase at the bottom of the stairs. Could explain the lack of staging the scene if SW killed nearer 0430, leaving little time for staging after killing B&CCW. Also explains the lack of audible screaming/arguing.

Senario 4:
B&CCW asleep in bed. SW returns at 0148 and, after a discussion/argument (where possibly SW declares her intention of leaving, or CW declares he's leaving but SW threatens custody of the girls), CW impulsively and in a rage kills SW btn 0200 and 0430, CW then proceeds to kill B&CCW. Bodies loaded into pickup approx 0515.
Possible outcome: SW 2nd degree murder, B&CCW 1st degree x4.
Precedence: see (2)&(3)
Likelyhood: Possible, given suitcase at bottom of stairs, but less likely as the argument could have been heard by neighbours and, given an argument is more likely to have escalated soon after 0148, it doesn't explain the lack of setting the scene.

Senario 5:
B&CCW asleep in bed. SW returns at 0148 and, after a discussion/argument both return/go to bed, to continue discussion (or possible terms of seperation) in the morning. CW stays awake, waiting for SW to fall asleep. Btn approx. 0300 and 0430, CW murders SW before turning to B&CCW. Bodies loaded into pickup approx 0515.
Possible outcome: Premeditated murder in the 1st degree x5.
Precedence: see (2),(3)&(4)
Likelyhood: Possible, given suitcase at the bottom of the stairs. Could explain the lack of staging the scene if SW killed nearer 0430, leaving little time for staging after killing B&CCW. Also explains the lack of audible screaming/arguing.

 

[human]

There is one on the main key pad. But there may be other ones as well, I am not sure.

Where would that be located normally? Would there be one upstairs? Where would an average family put that?

 

[MassGuy]

Where would that be located normally? Would there be one upstairs? Where would an average family put that?

Most people have two I think. One right inside the entrance door, and one in their bedroom.

Definitely one by the door at a minimum.

 

[gitana1]

I know, but, if death penalty case, the defense may not have any other choice. Let him talk and let the jury get to know him. It's hard to vote for death someone you 'know'. Remember Arias?

Yes but she was a right little actress. She knew how to fake cry and seem "vulnerable" as kittenish. She'd been manipulating people her whole adult life.

IMO this guy knows how to mask the emptiness and simmering rage and resentment inside. But I don't think he's good enough to fake empathy or grief.

Plus, he's a man. Not some little girl wearing cute sweaters and glasses.

 

[human]

Where has it been said he cannot have any other reading material? Didn't we hear previously that he gets to read a newspaper everyday? Perhaps putting out that he only has a Bible to read is a strategic leak by his defense to make it sound like he is reading it and that is all he wants to read. Doesn't make it true though. MOO.

He gets to read it out of his cell. Does he have anything esle for the other 23 hours?

Of course he is a killer, but he has not been tried. Having nothing to do seems really cruel for someone who has not been tried and convicted. No, I am not defending him.

How is it decided he gets nothing 23 hours a day? If he is suicidal, then a Bible should not be in there if he cannot have other books. Or perhaps he asked for it.

 

[MassGuy]

He gets to read it out of his cell. Does he have anything esle for the other 23 hours?

Of course he is a killer, but he has not been tried. Having nothing to do seems really cruel for someone who has not been tried and convicted. No, I am not defending him.

How is it decided he gets nothing 23 hours a day? If he is suicidal, then a Bible should not be in there if he cannot have other books. Or perhaps he asked for it.

They have protocols in place. This isn’t about punishment, it is about making sure he doesn’t hurt himself.

I’m sure he would have been interviewed by a psychologist, who determined that he may be a suicide risk.

He won’t be on suicide watch forever, just as long as necessary.

 

[human]

Nobody should be denied their right to a trial -- the 6th Amendment Guarantees this, even if you're not a citizen of the USA!

Of course. I simply wish that he would plead and this debacle could end even though I read every word on here.

 

[gitana1]

Having followed the thread from its inception, I'd like to ask if anyone see's any other plausible senario's in addition to the following (I'm not including involvement of any AP theories!) ...... I am being objective and not taking any particular view point but trying to look at arguments from both sides, given what we know so far. I'm no legal expert and ALL is very much MOO.
PS If anyone can clarify when Dieter was heard barking I'd be grateful. Here are my 5 scenarios:

Senario 1:
SW returns at 0148 Monday, CW already in bed (asper porch statement), SW goes to sleep until 0400 when CW declares he wants a seperation, possible "emotional discussion" ensues. CW goes downstairs for a moment before returning to see SW actively strangling CCW with BW already dead, CW proceeds to strangle and kill SW. As per CW confession.
Possible outcome: CW guilty of 2nd degree Murder of SW, BW & CCW murdered by SW.
Precedence: ..... unknown??
Likelyhood: Certain if CW is telling the truth. Very unlikely if CW lying.

Senario 2:
CW killed B&CCW after the party (between approx.1700 Sunday and 0100 Monday). SW returns at 0148, presumably doesn't check on the girls and goes to bed. CW murders SW btn approx. 0148 and 0500. Proceeds to load bodies into pickup at approx 0515.
Possible outcome: Premeditated murder in the 1st degree x5.
Precedence: Many cases AFAIK - Christian Longo, Robert Fisher, Neil Entwistle, SP etc etc While not EXACTLY the same circumstances, they were Family Annihilators who did not commit suicide.
Likelyhood: Possible if CW lying, but unlikely given risk of SW alerting neighbous/making noise, also CW would have possibly showed signs of being in a physical fight to the death. Also this scenario would allow more time for setting the scene.

Senario 3:
B&CCW asleep in bed. SW returns at 0148, possibly checking on the girls before going to bed. CW proceeds to murder SW btn 0200 and 0430, probably after she falls asleep. CW proceeds to kill B&CCW btn approx. 0200 and 0500. Bodies loaded into pickup approx 0515.
Possible outcome: Premeditated murder in the 1st degree x5.
Precedence: see (2)
Likelyhood: Possible, given suitcase at the bottom of the stairs. Could explain the lack of staging the scene if SW killed nearer 0430, leaving little time for staging after killing B&CCW. Also explains the lack of audible screaming/arguing.

Senario 4:
B&CCW asleep in bed. SW returns at 0148 and, after a discussion/argument (where possibly SW declares her intention of leaving, or CW declares he's leaving but SW threatens custody of the girls), CW impulsively and in a rage kills SW btn 0200 and 0430, CW then proceeds to kill B&CCW. Bodies loaded into pickup approx 0515.
Possible outcome: SW 2nd degree murder, B&CCW 1st degree x4.
Precedence: see (2)&(3)
Likelyhood: Possible, given suitcase at bottom of stairs, but less likely as the argument could have been heard by neighbours and, given an argument is more likely to have escalated soon after 0148, it doesn't explain the lack of setting the scene.

Senario 5:
B&CCW asleep in bed. SW returns at 0148 and, after a discussion/argument both return/go to bed, to continue discussion (or possible terms of seperation) in the morning. CW stays awake, waiting for SW to fall asleep. Btn approx. 0300 and 0430, CW murders SW before turning to B&CCW. Bodies loaded into pickup approx 0515.
Possible outcome: Premeditated murder in the 1st degree x5.
Precedence: see (2),(3)&(4)
Likelyhood: Possible, given suitcase at the bottom of the stairs. Could explain the lack of staging the scene if SW killed nearer 0430, leaving little time for staging after killing B&CCW. Also explains the lack of audible screaming/arguing.

Welcome to websleuths!

 

[Mark Morris]

 

[AbstractVino]

I think he would have waited until it was dark and no one could see who was driving, then abandon her car. He could have gotten back home by using another car/motorcycle/bicycle he had in place and then go back inside through the backyard. The neighbor's camera would actually have backed up his story about leaving for work and coming home at the normal times in his truck. MOO

I agree with this. IMO, I think that he had help and the original plan was for a female helper to drive Shanann’s car with the 3 bodies to the tank location. I say female because he would want it to look like a female if any neighbors or cameras were to detect her car en route to the tank locations. IMO, his original plan was to say she got mad after a heated argument re: seperation and took the babies to a friend’s house in the middle of the night. IMO, his helper was there to help him transport Shanann’s car to the tank site, dispose the 3 bodies, dispose Shanann’s car in the original plan’s disposal location, and most importantly drop Chris back off at the house when it was still dark enough to go through the backyard undetected by the cameras. IMO, the helper’s car was parked and waiting on Chris/helper at the location where they originally planned to dump Shanann’s car. This car would then take Chris back home before daylight. IMO, the shallow grave had already been dug given the terrain and time line. Because Shanann’s flight was delayed, he ran out of time, and had to take his own car. IMO, this crime was premeditated. Given my opinion of premeditation, Chris never intended to use his car because he was smart enough to know it was tracked in real time. IMO, I don’t think he is dumb. This is one of my only comments so I apologize in advance if it isn’t allowed, or is too all over the place. Bottom line, I think he planned for her car to leave before daylight with the 3 bodies with either him or his help driving. I think he planned to get back in the house before daylight to leave in his truck around his normal time and go to his planned job site for that day. Her delayed flight ruined his plan and IMO he had to kill her because babies were already dead. His helper wouldn’t have an alibi with the delayed timeline and he was forced to act wrecklessly and take his tracked car to dump his family at the tanks. The whole story is incredibly heartbreaking. MOO

 

[gitana1]

Where would that be located normally? Would there be one upstairs? Where would an average family put that?

Usually in the bedroom right next to the bed. Where to Place Your Panic Buttons: Keep Calm and Think Strategic

 

[?mysterian?]

Logic. Knowledge of human nature. Reasonableness. Motivation.

Thanks for your reply and for your explanations of the legal documents and possible strategies by both the prosecution and the defense teams. They're very helpful.

 

[molly1255]

On 8/16 SW's brother posted that CW had admitted to killing them all. It is really a stretch to think that he just got the details wrong at that point. This is his sister and nieces!

It is SW's brother's facebook post, plus a portion of a sentence that is redacted in the affidavit that makes me think CW may have been on his way to making a confession to killing all. It's hard to say for sure, but it seems a bit odd.

The sentence in the affidavit reads:

"In a subsequent interview, Chris (several words redacted) asked to speak to his father, who was present at the police department. Chris said he would tell the truth after speaking to his dad."

It then goes on to describe that after speaking to his father, CW told what happened, the separation discussion, SW strangling the girls, etc.