Found Deceased CO - Shanann Watts (34), Celeste"Cece" (3) and Bella (4), Frederick, 13 Aug 2018 *CW GUILTY* #46

[Best of What's Around]

My heart is breaking. For her family. I have had dreams about Shanann especially. Like she was my best friend. If I feel the way not knowing her how is her family holding up? . He did do the right thing.

I have trouble believing he took a plea at all because it was the right thing. And I hate to say that, but his media interviews convinced me of it. I think the evidence will be overwhelming to show pre-meditation in some way.

 

[MassGuy]

I have trouble believing he took a plea at all because it was the right thing. And I hate to say that, but his media interviews convinced me of it. I think the evidence will be overwhelming to show pre-meditation in some way.

Yeah. There has to be a smoking gun there, I just wonder what it is.

 

[Tippy Lynn]

If all parties including the Judge knew this was coming, why did they still exclude visual media coverage by calling it a status conference? Who were they trying to appease?

I'm guessing for the family. It would have been a media circus.
jmo

 

[Seattle1]

1st count was changed from murder to "murder as an act of domestic violence in an intimate relationship"

Can anyone explain the differences between these 2 charges and why it was changed as part of the plea deal? Is it the same charge, but with the DV addition? Thank you.

I believe the later charge is for the premeditated murder of a spouse per Colorado law. (CW previously confessed to strangling SW). MOO

 

[Lady Justice21]

1st count was changed from murder to "murder as an act of domestic violence in an intimate relationship"

Can anyone explain the differences between these 2 charges and why it was changed as part of the plea deal? Is it the same charge, but with the DV addition? Thank you.

In CO (not sure about other places) domestic violence is a sentence enhancer describing that it's a crime against an intimate partner (there's more to the definition, if you'd like it). Given the gravity of the outcome coming the sentencing enhancer won't have an impact here, but it's still the way the law is written. (Based on my opinion/experience)

Ps- Thank the Lord the family, friends, loved ones will not have to endure a trial. I'm shocked, but so so thankful for such a quick outcome!

 

[Tigerlily75]

But, according to the same source, Chris’ demeanor changed dramatically in previous weeks. “He’s been more active,” the source says. “He doesn’t sleep all day away. He’s actively taking part in his own defense. He reads a lot, and has contact with his attorneys.”

“He’s actually very energized now,” the source continues. “He’s willing to confront reality now and to decide what his best move is. … He’s able to look at things logically now and make the right decisions for himself. He’s turned a corner.”

“Chris had to come to terms with reality,” the sour explains of his decision to plead. “He didn’t like it at all, but he’s smart enough to know that his back was against the wall, and the best thing for him to do was to plead guilty.”

“There evidence against him was overwhelming,” the source says. “There was physical evidence and his own words that would convict him. His story didn’t work.”


To Avoid Death, Chris Watts Admits Murdering His Pregnant Wife and Their 2 Young Daughters

BBM. His story was never going to work. He made it up on the spot when confronted with overwhelming evidence in the interrogation room. Thus the evidence was never going to support it.

LE had video evidence of SW entering the house at 1.48am, and no evidence of her ever leaving.

He was cooked from the start. All praise to NUA who prevented him from setting the scene of whatever he was planning to try and get away with these despicable crimes. She was key to justice for these victims.

 

[idfinch]

Colorado has the death penalty, but doesn’t use it.

This is the same sentence, just without years of appeals.

It’s done.

Plus, though death row is a special hell on earth in and of itself, I seriously doubt he will ever be in general population or released from some sort of protective custody or segregated unit with locked down cell time most of his days.

Baby killers aren't liked in prison. At all.

 

[rainynights]

Thinking of Shanann, Bella, CeCe, and baby Nico today. Thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to be touched by her and the girls' presences. Can't imagine the heartbreak this family has been through and I hope they find the closure they need.

 

[Seattle1]

Yeah. There has to be a smoking gun there, I just wonder what it is.

Autopsy reports should tell more sooner than later. Unless a court seals the police /investigation records, they'll eventually be available too.

 

[PommyMommy]

Yeah. There has to be a smoking gun there, I just wonder what it is.

The DA said they have at least a partial motive and will elaborate more after sentencing on the 19th. Looking forward to hearing that. MOO

 

[idfinch]

I believe the later charge is for the premeditated murder of a spouse per Colorado law. (CW previously confessed to strangling SW). MOO

In CO (not sure about other places) domestic violence is a sentence enhancer describing that it's a crime against an intimate partner (there's more to the definition, if you'd like it). Given the gravity of the outcome coming the sentencing enhancer won't have an impact here, but it's still the way the law is written. (Based on my opinion/experience)

Why would they include it now but not in the original charges? Is it because of the guilty plea, therefore his self-defense type of accusation against Shanann is null & void?

 

[Colorado303]

I give a lot of credit to Shanann's friend who came by because she foiled the plot. She screwed up the entire plan leaving him no time to carry out a better plan. Had she not been such a caring friend this would have been dragged out a lot longer and who knows if he would have ever been arrested

Yes. I just got off the phone with her. But not for her, today wouldn't have happened. At least not for a long, long time. And she still doesn't think she did anything other than be a good friend.

 

[tara83]

I'm just so mad that the creep didn't do this from the start.He had to come up with that crap story and it feels like he killed poor Shanann twice.Ruined her reputation that she would kill the babies that she loved with her whole heart.

 

[Only4Justice]

I’m not at peace with any part of this.

Christopher Watts committed the most heinous act a father can commit against his girls. Shannan regardless of her personality trusted the man.

He very well should have gotten death. It will cost money to keep him breathing, eating and every need will be met for 40+ years.

A plea was far to good for him.

Like many here said in 100000 posts,
his “story” was far too unbelievable. I read both sides and tried not to put anyone on Ignore.

But I guess Occams Razor applies here. I thought that from the beginning.

I understand not going for the death penalty. It would have cost her family (and his!) immense cost and grief.

Prayers to all.

 

[SuziQ]

Omg!!! Going to read and catch up.

 

[MassGuy]

Autopsy reports should tell more sooner than later. Unless a court seals his police /investigation records, they'll eventually be available too.

That was my concern, I want to see and know everything. Good!

 

[Tortoise]

The DA said they have at least a partial motive and will elaborate more after sentencing on the 19th. Looking forward to hearing that. MOO

I'm not expecting any surprises there - it'll be a new life with his AP. IMO.

 

[castilloisno1]

Just thinking back to all the posts that vilified poor Shanann... I hope that Chris'confession now puts to bed all those ugly rumors. My heart breaks for the entire family.

 

[Lady Justice21]

Why would they include it now but not in the original charges? Is it because of the guilty plea, therefore his self-defense type of accusation against Shanann is null & void?

If I remember correctly DV as an enhancer was somewhere in the charging. I remember folks discussing what that may have meant. I apologize for not having any of that to link to right now.

 

[SuziQ]

I'm just so mad that the creep didn't do this from the start.He had to come up with that crap story and it feels like he killed poor Shanann twice.Ruined her reputation that she would kill the babies that she loved with her whole heart.

ITA. I think he's hoping to keep his secrets from going public. Too late.