The Murders of Shanann Watts and Children

On 13 August 2018, Shanann Watts and her daughters, Bella and Celeste, disappeared from their home in Frederick, Colorado. Within days, investigators uncovered evidence that Shanann's husband, Chris Watts, had murdered his pregnant wife and two daughters before attempting to conceal their bodies at an oil worksite.

Chris and Shanann Watts appeared to be living a successful suburban family life in Frederick, Colorado. Married in 2012, the couple had two daughters Bella, aged four, and Celeste ("Cece"), aged three and Shanann was 15 weeks pregnant with their unborn son, whom they planned to name Nico. Behind the family's public image, the marriage had deteriorated. Financial difficulties, relationship problems, and Chris's affair with a co-worker created increasing tension. In the weeks leading up to the murders, Chris had discussed separation with Shanann while continuing his extramarital relationship. During the early hours of 13 August 2018, shortly after Shanann returned home from a business trip, Chris murdered his pregnant wife inside their home. He then murdered Bella and Celeste before transporting all three victims to an Anadarko Petroleum oil and gas site where he worked.

Shanann Watts was murdered inside the family's home in Frederick. Chris Watts then transported her body in his work truck to the Cervi 319 oil lease owned by Anadarko Petroleum. At the remote site, Shanann's body was buried in a shallow grave. Bella and Celeste were each placed inside separate crude oil storage tanks after being killed. Investigators later recovered all three victims from the worksite following Chris Watts' confession and information obtained during the investigation.

The investigation began when Shanann's friend, Nichol Atkinson, became concerned after Shanann missed a scheduled medical appointment and failed to answer calls or messages. She contacted police to conduct a welfare check. Officers discovered Shanann's purse, medication, vehicle and personal belongings remained at the home, raising immediate concerns that the family had not left voluntarily. Investigators reviewed neighbourhood surveillance footage, mobile phone records, financial activity, and GPS data from Chris Watts' work vehicle. During media interviews, Chris publicly appealed for his family's safe return, but investigators noted inconsistencies in his statements. After failing a polygraph examination and being confronted by investigators, Chris initially confessed to killing Shanann after falsely claiming she had harmed the children. He later admitted responsibility for murdering Shanann, Bella and Celeste before disposing of their bodies at his worksite. In November 2018, Chris Watts pleaded guilty to all charges, avoiding the death penalty under a plea agreement.