Found Deceased CO - Shanann Watts (34), Celeste"Cece" (3) and Bella (4), Frederick, 13 Aug 2018 *Arrest* #5

[Satchie]

Is the charge for unwanted termination of a pregnancy because in the St of CO he cannot be charged with murder for the unborn child? This might be the maximum charge they can go for with the unborn child. This entire topic was hugely debated in CO over the past few years in the legislature. Any atty's out there that can clear this up?

I believe so, yes. He murdered a woman whom he knew was pregnant. There is a recent law that aims to protect pregnant women. He knew that killing her would terminate her pregnancy. Therefor it was his intent to terminate her pregnacy without her consent.

I think we should be careful with the legal language around 'intent', IMO they are throwing the book at him, legally, but the specific 'motive' that applies in his case will likely only emerge in court, or possibly if other evidence is revealed about his relationships or activities, eg an insurance policy or whatever.

 

[gitana1]

So if the girls were killed first by strangling, and the mom was killed by gunshot, and the defense is wanting DNA on the necks and hands ect.. to me, it seems like they may be staging that Mom killed the girls and then killed herself.

I don;t think we can state definitively how mom was killed. There is suggestion the kids were strangled, by the defense motion that specifies their necks. But the gunshot/bullet thing could just be standard evidence collection. It could be exactly as you've said, though. Has the affidavit been released yet?

 

[MyBelle]

ABC national covering it now. Interview with neighbor Atkinson. Clayton Sundell reporting. "Horrific and incomprehensible."

 

[Yellow Rose]

Yeah they don't like child killers in prison....not at all.

 

[Deleted member 227095]

Yes, that's how I understood it - it's not what I originally thought ( many of us thought the charge pdf was saying he had tried to terminate the pregnancy and so she had died.) See video bumped

Thanks for view. But it seems like they are seeking 3 charges of murder if I read things correctly. Interesting if this is the case as I'm not sure CO law will accomodate this charge? Did the judge respond to the charges or were they just read? Not sure of the admin issues so need legal person to chime in to explain! Thanks

 

[mickey2942]

Interesting, that no other lesser charges were included, meaning zero maneuvering room. Usually several other counts are added as well. In this case, it was pretty concise. This guy is going down. The reasonable doubt went out the window, given where the bodies were placed. I suppose he can go with temporary insanity, difficult not to agree that anyone sane would do what he did, but the element of trying to cover it up pretty much precludes that.

I hope he pleads out, and goes away. A trial, is not needed here. Unless he goes with some bizarre stuff...which won't negate lying to LEO, killing SW, covering her body, and the gruesome disposal of the children.

 

[Seattle1]

9 Charges filed against CHRISTOPHER LEE WATTS,
and witness list uploaded for viewing.

 

[Stunned]

Chris Watts charged with murder, unlawful termination of a pregnancy in deaths of wife, daughters



Chris Watts charged with murder, unlawful termination of a pregnancy in deaths of wife, daughters

Good, glad the baby was included.

 

[zencompass]

I hope the ME was able to get a TOD on the girls given the way they were found.

I believe they will. It's astonishing how they come up with their findings with their scientific knowledge. Even in a circumstance like this.

 

[Deleted member 227095]

I believe so, yes. He murdered a woman whom he knew was pregnant. There is a recent law that aims to protect pregnant women. He knew that killing her would terminate her pregnancy. Therefor it was his intent to terminate her pregnacy without her consent.

I think we should be careful with the legal language around 'intent', IMO they are throwing the book at him, legally, but the specific 'motive' that applies in his case will likely only emerge in court, or possibly if other evidence is revealed about his relationships or activities, eg an insurance policy or whatever.

Yes, but did they also charge him with 3 or 4 counts of murder? Or were the charges 3 for murder and 1 for unwanted termination?

 

[gitana1]

I also clearly heard, “warrantless arrest.”

Yes. They did not arrest him per a warrant. Which also indicates he confessed. They nabbed him during an interview, it appears.

 

[BeckyF]

Could this mean a possible petition for separation/divorce proceedings, by Shanann ?

I take that to mean the hiding of the bodies because he feared getting caught and arrested.

 

[gitana1]

Yes, but did they also charge him with 3 or 4 counts of murder? Or were the charges 3 for murder and 1 for unwanted termination?

Five counts murder for three human beings and one count illegal termination of pregnancy.

 

[Stunned]

That means the kids were likely dead in the home when she arrived, right? Ugh. Horrific. I had hoped she never knew. I had hoped she was at least spared that.

Me too.......sick man.

 

[gitana1]

I take that to mean the hiding of the bodies because he anticipated being arrested.

Yeeesss.

 

[passionflower]

I hope they are keeping a close eye on this guy and don't let him 'take the easy way out'

Yes glass cage naked and cold. Suicide watch. IIRC they did that to drew p. Humility to be watched like that 24/7 with lights on and no sheets!

 

[gitana1]

I don't believe CO has death penalty. There was chatter this weekend that the legislature might take up the issue again in order to make it an option for this case. Not sure of legal technicalities of this as I am not an atty.

They have it. It's not been used in a while.

 

[Colorado303]

Thanks! I shouldn't though! I'm behind on work because of my fascination with this case and will be doing some all nighters to catch up. Ugh.

I feel this is likely to be resolved via plea deal. No matter what it will be anguish for her family and loved ones. Every motion. Every appearance. Every release of info.

But I'm very hopeful there won't be a trial. Nothing the defense is doing is alarming me or making me think "Oh no. Here we go."

Not so far.

Thank you! Hoping for a plea deal early so family’s exposure to nasty details stays limited. And the fact nothings signaling to you they’re preparing to completely get him off is good news. Let us know if you start to see signs that may be changing.

 

[PommyMommy]

Yes, but did they also charge him with 3 or 4 counts of murder? Or were the charges 3 for murder and 1 for unwanted termination?

Watts faces three counts of first-degree murder after deliberation, two counts of first-degree murder – victim under 12/position of trust, one count of first-degree unlawful termination of a pregnancy, and three counts of tampering with a deceased human body, according to Colorado court records and documents filed Monday afternoon.

Chris Watts charged with murder, unlawful termination of a pregnancy in deaths of wife, daughters

 

[MyBelle]

I don't believe CO has death penalty. There was chatter this weekend that the legislature might take up the issue again in order to make it an option for this case. Not sure of legal technicalities of this as I am not an atty.

Yes, CO has death penalty. DA said he hadn't made a decision as it is too early.