Chris Watts, who was convicted in 2018 for the murders of his pregnant wife and two young daughters, is currently serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole. He is incarcerated at Dodge Correctional Institution, a maximum-security prison in Waupun, Wisconsin, where he remains under close supervision.
Overview of the Case
The case gained widespread attention in August 2018 after Shanann Watts, 34, and her two daughters, Bella (4) and Celeste (3), were reported missing in Frederick, Colorado. Shanann was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.
After initially claiming he had no knowledge of their whereabouts, Chris Watts later confessed to the killings during a police investigation. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and local law enforcement conducted a thorough inquiry that ultimately led to Watts’ arrest and conviction.
According to the Weld County District Attorney’s Office, Watts pleaded guilty to multiple counts of first-degree murder, unlawful termination of a pregnancy, and tampering with a deceased human body. He was sentenced on November 19, 2018, to five life sentences—three of them to be served consecutively—along with additional years for the lesser charges.
The Weld County District Court proceedings, along with police investigation files, confirm that Watts transported the bodies of his family members to a remote oil site operated by Anadarko Petroleum, where he was employed at the time. Shanann was buried in a shallow grave, and the two children were placed in separate oil tanks. These facts were presented as part of his confession and supported by forensic evidence and GPS records.
Conditions of Incarceration
As of 2025, Watts remains housed at Dodge Correctional Institution. According to official statements from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, inmates serving high-profile sentences may be placed in protective housing units to prevent potential conflicts with the general prison population. Although specific details about an inmate’s day-to-day conditions are not typically released due to safety and privacy regulations, the department does allow inmates access to reading material, religious texts, and monitored communication with approved visitors or correspondents.
While there has been public interest in Watts’ status, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections has not confirmed any specific threats or incidents involving his safety. Prison systems across the United States commonly implement special protocols for individuals convicted of crimes involving children, as these inmates are often at higher risk of being targeted by others in custody.
Psychological and Social Impact
According to reports published by credible outlets such as ABC News and The Denver Post, Watts has expressed remorse in post-sentencing interviews. In one interview conducted by the CBI in February 2019 and released publicly in March of that year, he discussed his motivations, feelings of guilt, and reflections on the crime. These interviews, part of a formal investigative follow-up, were recorded and transcribed for official use.
Experts in criminal psychology note that individuals who commit familial homicide often face complex emotional and psychological outcomes after conviction. However, any analysis of an inmate’s current mental health status must be based on verified evaluations by licensed professionals, which are not publicly disclosed in Watts’ case due to confidentiality rules governing medical and psychological records within correctional facilities.
Public and Media Response
The Watts case sparked a significant public response and has been the subject of books, podcasts, and documentaries, including the Netflix documentary American Murder: The Family Next Door. These materials use publicly available police records, court documents, and interviews to reconstruct the events leading up to and following the murders. The widespread media coverage also led to discussions about domestic violence, family dynamics, and the warning signs of familial abuse.
Domestic violence advocacy groups have used the case to raise awareness about intimate partner violence and coercive control. Organizations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) encourage individuals who feel unsafe in their relationships to seek confidential assistance.
Legal Closure
Watts waived his right to a trial and accepted a plea agreement to avoid the death penalty, which was still a legal sentencing option in Colorado at the time. In 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed legislation officially abolishing the death penalty in the state, but the repeal does not affect cases sentenced prior to the law’s passage.
Since his sentencing, Watts has not filed any appeals to overturn his conviction, according to public court records accessed through the Colorado Judicial Branch.
Conclusion
Chris Watts remains incarcerated for the 2018 murders of his family, a crime that continues to be remembered for its tragic circumstances and far-reaching impact on public awareness regarding family violence. His case underscores the importance of early intervention, access to mental health resources, and vigilance in recognizing the signs of domestic abuse.
Sources:
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI): CBI Reports on the Watts Case
Weld County District Attorney’s Office: Watts Sentencing Press Release
Wisconsin Department of Corrections: Official Website
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: ncadv.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.org
Colorado Judicial Branch: Public Records Access
Netflix Documentary: American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
Official interview transcripts released by law enforcement (March 2019)
