KILLER DAD
Chris Watts finally admits to slaughtering his pregnant wife and two kids to avoid the death penalty
A DAD has finally pleaded guilty to murdering his pregnant wife and two young children to avoid the death penalty.
Chris Watts, 33, struck the plea deal after slaying Shanann Watts, Celeste, three, and four-year-old Bella at their family home in August.
7
He sobbed in court as he pleaded guilty to five counts of murder in the first degree, three counts of tampering with a deceased human body, and one count of unlawful termination of a pregnancy.
The request not to seek the death penalty came from Shannan's family, reports.
Watts had previously denied the charges and even made a tearful TV appeal for his family's safe return after they were reported missing in Frederick, Colorado.
Shannan's body was found buried in a shallow grave and the girls had been dumped in oil tanks on the property of Watts' former employer.
7
7
7
He was arrested the following day and charged with first degree murder and other felony counts in the slayings.
Watts now awaits sentencing on 19 November.
He was previously reported to have "showed no emotion" as he was booked into jail.
One expert later reviewing his infamous TV appeal claimed Watts showed psychopathic traits, including being overtly winsome and charming.
Murdered toddler, Bella Watts sings to her daddy, Chris Watts
7
7
Kim Gorgens, a clinical professor of professional psychology at the University of Denver, told "It's not a personality characteristic that you can pick out of a lineup.
"It's not like someone wears a sign that says you can't trust. In fact, it's the opposite of that."
Police say Watts was having an affair with a co-worker and had informed his wife on August 13 - the night before her disappearance - that he wanted to separate.
7
MOST READ IN NEWS
According to court documents, an investigation determined that Watts, who was fired from his job at Anadarko Petroleum on the day of his arrest, "was actively involved in an affair with a co-worker".
Watts told investigators that he killed his wife after discovering that she had strangled their two daughters after he told her he wanted to separate.
Shanann's body was discovered in a shallow grave about 40 miles from the family's home and the girls' bodies were recovered from nearby oil tanks, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
Heartbreaking moment Frank Rzucek, dad of murdered pregnant mum Shanann Watts breaks down as he faces her ‘killer’ husband Christopher Watts in court
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
Topics