GUILTY CO - Shanann Watts (34), Celeste"Cece" (3) and Bella (4), Frederick, 13 Aug 2018 *CW LWOP* #68

[NuttMegg]

I meant CW's entered his guilty pleas without going to trial. He never confessed to the murders of the girls.

The cases you cite aren't similar.

JMO

Yes he did, he claimed, out loud, he was guilty of murdering them. I don't see your distinction between saying "I confess to murdering Bella" or saying "I admit that I am guilty of murdering Bella". So, what would the difference be?

 

[Only4Justice]

Well, IMO they were more interested in getting the clean plea deal signed and sealed right away, than delaying it, possibly jeopardizing it by insisting on details. We could all see how he lied and lied, even and up to his father during the interrogations. I think that's what they did, get it finalized ASAP.

Which is a good thing. IMO

 

[they'll get you]

A statement to PEOPLE form the Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirms authorities met with Watts, 33, on February 18. Officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Frederick Police Department were also present.

Investigators “interviewed Christopher Watts for the purpose of developing further insight into the case,” the statement reads.

Watts was having an affair with a co-worker at the time of the killings. Authorities have cited his desire for a “fresh start” with his mistress as his motive for the killings.

The house was bought in 2013 for about $400,000, and the public notice states that there is still $349,900 outstanding on the home. The real estate website Zillow.com places the home’s worth at about $510,000.
Chris Watts Gives Investigators New Details of Murders of Pregnant Wife and 2 Daughters

 

[PommyMommy]

There's a good reason three law enforcement agencies traveled to interview CW.

If you want to believe the reason is because CW wants to give a "late confession" to crimes which he's already been sentenced, that's up to you but I don't believe that is the reason.

JMO

I agree that there's a good reason for LE to travel to WI and speak to CW. In fact, I can think of a number of good reasons. Top of the list is that it's part of getting justice for the victim's and their family. The Rzucek's deserve answers and I hope it doesn't further their pain, but instead, gives them a little more closure. Not that I believe closure is ever possible after what CW has caused them to suffer, but some answers may be helpful.

Heck, even CW's own family said at the sentencing that they hoped he would give them answers someday. And, although this hasn't been reported as a "confession," I am hopeful; it makes sense in light of his recent meeting with the Rzucek's attorney. (See article posted by @Seattle1 back a page or two.)

ETA: The new information may also prove helpful in future research of family annihilator's.

Familicide - Wikipedia

• Watts family homicides, August 13, 2018, Frederick, Colorado; Chris Watts killed his pregnant wife, two daughters and unborn child.

MOO

 

[Best of What's Around]

There's a good reason three law enforcement agencies traveled to interview CW.

If you want to believe the reason is because CW wants to give a "late confession" to crimes which he's already been sentenced, that's up to you but I don't believe that is the reason.

JMO

There is a good reason. They are the three exact people CW felt comfortable talking to previously who were LE and hence represent continuity of the case and would make him feel more comfortable. Plus, they are among the most well versed in the case and at least two of them (CBI and FBI agents) were there with him to witness and attempt to work through his myriad of lies before. It makes perfect sense to send them for a potential further confession to me. MOO.

 

[they'll get you]

A 33-year-old father jailed for life in the murders of his pregnant wife and two daughters has provided new information about the slayings.
Watts was interviewed on February 18 by investigators from the FBI, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Frederick Police Department at the Wisconsin prison where he is being held.

The CBI has a written report and audio file from the interview, according to local media
Chris Watts reveals new information in murders of pregnant wife, daughters

 

[Jessthinkin]

I agree that there's a good reason for LE to travel to WI and speak to CW. In fact, I can think of a number of good reasons. Top of the list is that it's part of getting justice for the victim's and their family. The Rzucek's deserve answers and I hope it doesn't further their pain, but instead, gives them a little more closure. Heck, even CW's own family said at the sentencing that they hoped he would give them answers someday. And, although this hasn't been reported as a "confession," I am hopeful; it makes sense in light of his recent meeting with the Rzucek's attorney. (See article posted by @Seattle1 back a page or two.)
MOO

Although, oddly, I 'think RW said something recently to the effect of this is over and done with. Why should he talk any more, or something like that... (Does someone have easy access to his exact wording?) Makes it sound like RW doesn't want more information or a full confession, as asked for at sentencing, IMO

 

[PommyMommy]

Although, oddly, I 'think RW said something recently to the effect of this is over and done with. Why should he talk any more, or something like that... (Does someone have easy access to his exact wording?) Makes it sound like RW doesn't want more information or a full confession, as asked for at sentencing, IMO

At sentencing:
Christopher Watts sentencing for murdering Frederick family
Watts’ parents, Ronnie and Cynthia, condemned the crimes and did not ask the judge for leniency in their son’s sentencing.

“We still don’t have the answers,” Ronnie Watts said in a statement read by his attorney, Jean Powers. “I hope one day, Christopher, you can help us.”

Cynthia Watts said she was still struggling to understand the “absolute horror” and will never recover from the trauma.

Yesterday's article:
Chris Watts, man who killed pregnant wife and daughters, provides new details on murders to investigators: Officials
Chris Watts' father, Ronnie Watts, said his son did not tell him the details about the conversation, but Ronnie Watts told ABC News Thursday, "In my heart I know he didn't kill those girls."

Ronnie Watts said his son calls him every night and "knows the Bible inside and out."

"It's over and done with," Ronnie Watts said of the case. "I am confused why they [the investigators] went out there in the first place."

 

[NuttMegg]

At sentencing:
Christopher Watts sentencing for murdering Frederick family
Watts’ parents, Ronnie and Cynthia, condemned the crimes and did not ask the judge for leniency in their son’s sentencing.

“We still don’t have the answers,” Ronnie Watts said in a statement read by his attorney, Jean Powers. “I hope one day, Christopher, you can help us.”

Yesterday's article:
Chris Watts, man who killed pregnant wife and daughters, provides new details on murders to investigators: Officials
Chris Watts' father, Ronnie Watts, said his son did not tell him the details about the conversation, but Ronnie Watts told ABC News Thursday, "In my heart I know he didn't kill those girls."

Ronnie Watts said his son calls him every night and "knows the Bible inside and out."

"It's over and done with," Ronnie Watts said of the case. "I am confused why they [the investigators] went out there in the first place."

Too bad his own son doesn't want to honestly confide in him.

 

[Colorfuel]

He didn't confess in the interview room, no. But, by way of his guilty plea, he admitted that he murdered the girls.

Regarding the articles I posted, I think you missed my point. It has nothing to do with the cases being similar. You're right, they're not and weren't meant to be. The purpose of the examples is to point out the various reasons why convicted murderers have later come forward with truthful confessions.

MOO

Thank you. The meaning of entering that plea could not have been missed, even by Chris Watts, The term itself is “plead guilty,” it’s not that tricky or subtle. I saw nothing to indicate that the defense lawyers lacked competence, and we can assume the appropriately counseled their client.

And all the agents and lawyers would want to be sure that things were done right and the legal outcome would stick. That is part of the basic nature of their work.

The assertion that the professionals involved in this case coerced the plea is actually a very serious thing ... it’s saying that they are unethical or incompetent, that maybe they shouldn’t even be holding their positions. It’s also an assertion that I don’t understand making without something solid to back it up. Speculation is not adequate.

 

[book-thinker]

Wouldn't be surprised if Cindy Watts is hoping in leading the charge to appealing Chris's conviction. In her eyes he shouldn't have pleaded guilty and instead it should've gone to trial. She feels he was coerced in pleading guilty since both parents were denied visitation by his lawyers the night before the his hearing. Shannon family would've endured years of emotional limbo if the death penalty had been on the table.

And this stuff about Chris Watts calling Ronnie nightly makes no sense.
Prisoner Watts has limited access to the phones and its highly doubtful he has access to phones at night.

 

[MyBelle]

Didn't Lambert state that during his interview he felt that Watts was not contesting the lawsuit and seemed to be admitting liability?
That doesn't sound to me like he feels as if he was coerced. It sounds like he is finally admitting he is responsible for his actions. Imo

Or it could mean CW doesn't have money to pay an attorney to fight it or knows he wouldn't win.

JMO

 

[NuttMegg]

Or it could mean CW doesn't have money to pay an attorney to fight it or knows he wouldn't win.

JMO

Sounds familiar. He dumped the bodies cuz no one would believe him. He plead guilty to murdering all of them because no one would believe he just killed his wife, and now, his guilty pleas could have been coerced, but he might not have enough money to pay an attorney, and if he did have enough money he might not be believed. I think a guy in his mid thirties is adult enough to make his own decisions.

 

[PommyMommy]

Thank you. The meaning of entering that plea could not have been missed, even by Chris Watts, The term itself is “plead guilty,” it’s not that tricky or subtle. I saw nothing to indicate that the defense lawyers lacked competence, and we can assume the appropriately counseled their client.

And all the agents and lawyers would want to be sure that things were done right and the legal outcome would stick. That is part of the basic nature of their work.

The assertion that the professionals involved in this case coerced the plea is actually a very serious thing ... it’s saying that they are unethical or incompetent, that maybe they shouldn’t even be holding their positions. It’s also an assertion that I don’t understand making without something solid to back it up. Speculation is not adequate.

Yes, and in addition to having excellent legal representation (IMO, he did), the fact that his plea was not coerced is documented in writing and was read aloud to CW in court at the time he pled guilty.

Written Waiver and Guilty Plea page 2, #9
"My plea is freely, intelligently, and voluntarily given. I know that I am giving up all the rights described above. I understand these rights. I am giving up these rights and pleading guilty of my own free will. No one has pressured me or tried to make me plead guilty against my will. I have not decided to plead guilty because of anything I have been told except for the agreements shown on the attached sheet(s)."

 

[MassGuy]

BBM. Technically, CW was not convicted. He entered a plea of guilty and the judge accepted it.

The only reason I can see for the multiple agencies to visit him in prison is if they now have a concern his pleas may have been coerced. iow, was he threatened by someone during the investigation or at the jail.

The sale of the house is a civil matter and I'm not sure LE would get involved, let alone 3 agencies.

JMO

False. A guilty plea is a conviction, simply one without a trial. CW in essence threw his hands up, and said “I did it.”

These agencies are visiting him because his insight is valuable, as one of the few living “family annihilators” who are willing to talk.

This is basically a continuance of his allocation, which he never gave.

He appears finally willing to provide the details that so many have been wanting, least of all Shanann’s family.

 

[MsBetsy]

There's a good reason three law enforcement agencies traveled to interview CW.

If you want to believe the reason is because CW wants to give a "late confession" to crimes which he's already been sentenced, that's up to you but I don't believe that is the reason.

JMO

It makes perfect sense to me.
Remember, one of the most important things to Chris Watts is how he appears to other people. He was always perceived as the good guy. He didn't want to let anybody down. Almost as soon as he "confessed," he was worried about what investigators thought of him and what all the guys at work would think.

He has had all this time to sit in a cell with nothing to do but think about what he has done. He knows that people hate him and condemn him for what he did. He let everybody down. After being the good guy for so long he is now condemned for murdering his family.
Maybe for him the only way of lifting that very heavy burden was to finally come clean.

The investigators may have gone all that way to talk to him because they were aware of the interview with Lambert, during which he seemed to take accountability.
Just because the case is closed does not mean they no longer care about justice and closure for the victim's family. Imo

 

[gitana1]

BBM. Technically, CW was not convicted. He entered a plea of guilty and the judge accepted it.

The only reason I can see for the multiple agencies to visit him in prison is if they now have a concern his pleas may have been coerced. iow, was he threatened by someone during the investigation or at the jail.

The sale of the house is a civil matter and I'm not sure LE would get involved, let alone 3 agencies.

JMO

Absolutely NOT. He was 100% technically convicted of murder.

 

[MyBelle]

Thank you. The meaning of entering that plea could not have been missed, even by Chris Watts, The term itself is “plead guilty,” it’s not that tricky or subtle. I saw nothing to indicate that the defense lawyers lacked competence, and we can assume the appropriately counseled their client.

And all the agents and lawyers would want to be sure that things were done right and the legal outcome would stick. That is part of the basic nature of their work.

The assertion that the professionals involved in this case coerced the plea is actually a very serious thing ... it’s saying that they are unethical or incompetent, that maybe they shouldn’t even be holding their positions. It’s also an assertion that I don’t understand making without something solid to back it up. Speculation is not adequate.

BBM. Respectfully, no poster here has made such an accusation. I gave it as a possible reason three agencies traveled to visit CW and I also provided links to other cases.

JMO

 

[MassGuy]

Absolutely NOT. He was 100% technically convicted of murder.

One could say “literally” even.

 

[PommyMommy]

Feb 13, 2019 CBS DENVER News 4

Lambert expected a conversation with Watts to be awkward, and possibly even “eerie.” However, when on the phone, Lambert suggested Watts may have come to terms with his new reality, as he answered every question they had openly.

“It wasn’t weird, or anything… He doesn’t seem to be fighting this,” Lambert said. “(Watts is) admitting liability, or giving up things that he might’ve had claim to.”

Lambert said Watts had 35 days to file for default. Before then, the law firm will work to provide proof of pain, loss of income, and losses to the family and Shanann’s estate.

Lambert said the Rzuceks were doing better, since Watts was convicted to life in prison for the murders of Shanann, Bella and Celeste “CeCe” Watts. However, he said the spotlight the murders placed on the family has been trying for Frank and Sandy.

Lambert hoped to have the wrongful death suit resolved before the end of the year for his clients.

“(Watts is) spending 23 hours (a day) in a cell, sitting there,” Lambert said. “He has the next 30 years to think of what he’s done.”

Lawyers: Shanann Watts’ Parents Lawsuit To Go Uncontested By Chris Watts

ETA: Although it was suspected CW was in Ad Seg, the Rzucek's attorney's statement confirms CW is not enjoying any community company in lock up - 23 hrs/day.

Bumping Seattle1's post in case anyone missed it. Six days prior to CW's recent interview with investigators, he met with the Rzucek's attorney regarding the wrongful death lawsuit.

The attorney expected the conversation to be awkward, but suggested that CW may have come to terms with his new reality, as he answered every question they had openly.

“It wasn’t weird, or anything… He doesn’t seem to be fighting this,” Lambert said. “(Watts is) admitting liability, or giving up things that he might’ve had claim to.”

MOO

 

[MsBetsy]

Or it could mean CW doesn't have money to pay an attorney to fight it or knows he wouldn't win.

JMO

Then why say anything at all?