Found Deceased CO - Shanann Watts (34), Celeste"Cece" (3) and Bella (4), Frederick, 13 Aug 2018 *CW GUILTY* #51

[BelleIsle]

Did anyone who is adept at reading body-language notice that Cindy pursed her lips after stating that CW never did anything in his younger years that would have been considered a sign of things to come. I can't remember the exact wording, and I don't have the energy to watch that interview again, but it was after the first time the reporter asked this question. Isn't that a sign of trying to hide something that you do know, or want to say? I believe CW did this during his porch interviews as well.

 

[Layla123]

She can't. Unless maybe they designate her as their representative to read their statement.

That means she can. She already wrote that letter to the Judge on their behalf. https://www.courts.state.co.us/user...rest/2018CR2003/Letter filed by Non Party.pdf

 

[molly1255]

I am terrified that K. Almond, Cindy Watts’ friend from Murder rap sesh, is going to show up in that courtroom and attack Shanann Watts on their behalf.

If that happens, IMO, that means she's a flying monkey.

 

[gitana1]

Here’s the thing, I’m not sitting on the fence, I was prior to his confession. It doesn’t matter though my posts are still looked at as if I’m on the fence. I think it’s weird.
jmo

Pre-guilty plea the posts seemed to mostly be about CW's possible innocence. I can't remember almost any at all about his possible guilt. If there was fence sitting it seemed to lean heavily one way. That happens.

Now, many or most of the posts are seemingly in strong support of the paternal grandparent's rights and their concerns with the plea, and in support of their belief that their son has been railroaded, etc., and these folks (CW's parents) are hardcore bashing the victim and still believe she murdered the kids.

So the posts still seem sort of consistent with the "CW could be innocent" days?

 

[MCDRAW]

New rule, don’t quote me till I edit my spelling errors please, lol. I never catch them before I hit post My proofreading is lacking.

Same.

 

[gitana1]

That means she can. She already wrote that letter to the Judge on their behalf. https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/19th_Judicial_District/caseofinterest/2018CR2003/Letter filed by Non Party.pdf

Well unless they designate her AND the court allows it. And the court might!

 

[Tortoise]

I don't think you're wrong.
I'm dreading Monday because of what it will reveal happened to Shanann and her injuries.
And the precious toddlers.

Your post made me think..I wonder if the DA/prosecutor will detail for the judge the manner in which the murders were committed, specifically the injuries he inflicted on them.

 

[gitana1]

I don't think you're wrong.
I'm dreading Monday because of what it will reveal happened to Shanann and her injuries.
And the precious toddlers.

My greatest fear is for her family. Poor things. I hope they are spared the Watts family circus and victim-destroying show.

 

[gitana1]

I can't make myself listen to the podcast.What are they saying about the Thayers? I think Mr. Thayer will have lots to say after the sentencing.

I can't either. Apparently insinuating that Mr. Thayer might have assisted CW in the crimes in some way.

 

[Layla123]

Well unless they designate her AND the court allows it. And the court might!

All I can think about is Shanann’s parents and brother. What more are the Watts’ going to force them to endure?

 

[RosalindaA]

This case is more than the murder of a wife, it is an entire family, and thus your comment about mothers and sons - in this case - seems to me to overlook the research that has been done and brought here for discussion on the families of origin of the family annihilator.

IMO

I think the same points are made (ie childhoods/ mother's influence particularly) in discussions of FAs and all sorts of other murderers. There is very little real scientific research as obviously it is impossible to directly observe anyone's childhood after the fact, only study anecdotal, indirect evidence. Or statements from the murderer himself which may or may not be self-justifying lies.

 

[smucklecrumble]

CW also told police he didn't murder the girls and his parents believe he was telling the truth. I really don't understand all the bashing of the grandparents. JMO

But he has since plead guilty to this. That is where we are currently at. I don’t understand how the grandparents can go on national tv and bash a victim their son has confessed as killing since the beginning. Each to their own IMO

 

[Jupiter05]

Death penalty expert: Weld County DA made right choice in Chris Watts case
By Madeline St. Amour
Staff Writer

POSTED: 11/16/2018 01:39:31 PM MST | UPDATED: ABOUT 4 HOURS AGO



Christopher Watts appears in court for his arraingment hearing in August in Weld County Courthouse in Greeley. A death penalty expert says the Weld County district attorney made the right choice in taking the death penalty off the table when negotiating Watts' plea deal. (RJ Sangosti / The Denver Post)
As the sentencing hearing for a Frederick man who pleaded guilty last week in the murders of his pregnant wife and children approaches, experts agree that Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke made the right decision in not pursuing the death penalty in the case.

Christopher Watts, 33, was accused of killing his pregnant wife, 34-year-old Shanann Watts, and two daughters, 4-year-old Bella and 3-year-old Celeste. On Nov. 6, he pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree murder, three counts of tampering with a deceased human body and unlawful termination of a pregnancy, as Shanann Watts was 15 weeks pregnant with a son. Her family said he would have been named Nico.

Chris Watts is scheduled to be sentenced Monday in Weld County District Court.

By not pursuing the death penalty, Rourke saved the family of Shanann Watts years spent wrapped up in the criminal justice system, as well as millions of dollars for taxpayers, according to Michael Radelet, a professor of sociology at the University of Colorado and author of "The History of the Death Penalty in Colorado."

<modsnip - 10% copyright rule>

 

[Tippy Lynn]

Pre-guilty plea the posts seemed to mostly be about CW's possible innocence. I can't remember almost any at all about his possible guilt. If there was fence sitting it seemed to lean heavily one way. That happens.

Now, many or most of the posts are seemingly in strong support of the paternal grandparent's rights and their concerns with the plea, and in support of their belief that their son has been railroaded, etc., and these folks (CW's parents) are hardcore bashing the victim and still believe she murdered the kids.

So the posts still seem sort of consistent with the "CW could be innocent" days?

Not mine. I asked about the statue and I’m clearly not supporting in that direction.
ETA: Regardless - it is what it is and I’m fine with it.

 

[MCDRAW]

If I’ve learned anything in this case it’s to refrain from posting on a thread if you sat on the fence.

I think its good when people are on the fence. I have been there a few times myself. It wouldn't be a discussion board if everyone felt the same. JMO I will admit I had a hard time thinking people were on the fence in this case because everyone was only going by his word. No evidence. Meanwhile, evidence was building against him. It just felt so much like victim bashing. Not from you, I always felt you really were on the fence. I have always tried to just look at the evidence. Both sides. His interview changed that for me, in this case. I just knew. So I failed at looking on both sides in this case. I hope you continue to give your view and others do too. There can be no discussion if we all agree.

 

[gitana1]

Tippy, I hope you continue to post and everyone else who may happen to hold varying viewpoints. Any discussion is poorer if this doesn't happen. Sadly some posters have disappeared from this thread. I may not agree with certain statements or ideas but I respect people's right to state them.

I agree with the observation that many parents of murderers show a level of denial and failure to grapple with the facts. I wonder if that is because they are often speaking fairly soon after the fact and perhaps over a longer period of time they may become more rational.

It has long been the fact that mothers have been blamed for the violence of their sons. Too strict, too permissive. Obviously there is evidence to show that childhood influences a person's character. But underneath it also is a strain of misogyny, blaming mothers for their sons murdering their wives negates putting responsibility where it lies, in this case solely with Christopher Watts.

It's true. Without differing viewpoints, there is no true dialogue and no real learning. It's just an echo chamber.

However, I draw the line at sly or outright insinuations that bash the victim, based on nothing but gossip and nonsense like videos that show parents interacting like millions of parents do, with one another and with their kids.

That is not valuable dialogue. It's not honest debate, IMO.

And to me, it has no place in a case that involves real human beings and surviving family members who suffer when such hate-filled rumors, innuendo, gossip and allegations, are publicized.

I also agree that there is a societal urge to blame mothers that has misogynistic undertones (as did the bashing of a murder victim who didn't know how to treat her man).

And to me it seems that FA's aren't created by mothers. They are created by dysfunctional family systems and maybe genetic predisposition to instability. As I stated on the podcast, don't let dads off the hook.

But moms are part of those systems and often we've seen in these cases that mama is the loudest voice in the room, so she's the one everyone hones in on.

Yes, CW is the only one responsible, in my mind, for these crimes. He had the ability to make decisions and he knew right from wrong.

How such a person develops, however, is extremely interesting.

 

[smucklecrumble]

Probably AP was the partial.motive, but each kid was insured for 8 K? That is another part...

Oh gosh. That seems like such a small amount to do such a thing. Not that a large amount would make it better, disgusting either way.

edited as per Tricia's post.

Will also add that I view this as the equivalent of robbing a bank but only for a dollar. The risk outweighs the benefit so to speak MOO

 

[sun16]

Here’s the thing, I’m not sitting on the fence, I was prior to his confession. It doesn’t matter though my posts are still looked at as if I’m on the fence. I think it’s weird.
jmo

I don’t look at them that way, for what it’s worth.

 

[BrownRice]

"Friend"

Exactly.

 

[nwmouse]

My greatest fear is for her family. Poor things. I hope they are spared the Watts family circus and victim-destroying show.

I'm still gobsmacked, gitana1.
Your podcast this week with Tricia was cathartic. Thank you.
What kind of woman like Mother Watts who is in her "wisdom" mature years can turn on her own DIL after what her son did? I am still trying to understand but I can't. Truly a Norman Bates scenario.