In 2018, Christopher Lee Watts murdered his pregnant wife, Shanann, and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, in Frederick, Colorado. He initially fabricated a story before confessing to state-level homicides and obstruction charges. This verified explainer outlines the official charges filed against him, the subsequent guilty pleas, and the current status of his custodial situation. It is designed to clarify the legal status and outcomes related to this case based on court records and law enforcement reports, providing a durable reference independent of fleeting news cycles.
Charges Filed in Colorado State Court
Initial Arrest and Formal Complaint
Following the discovery of the victims, Chris Watts was arrested and formally charged in August 2018 by the Weld County District Attorney’s office. The initial complaint outlined multiple counts reflecting the unlawful taking of life and interference with a dead body. These charges were structured to address both the homicides and the subsequent manipulation of the scene.
Specific Colorado State Charges
The specific charges brought against Chris Watts in Colorado state court were:
- First-degree murder (two counts), a class 1 felony, for the deaths of Shanann Watts and Bella Watts.
- First-degree murder (one count), a class 1 felony, for the death of Celeste Watts.
- Tampering with a deceased human body, a class 2 felony.
- Obstruction of justice, a class 4 felony.
These charges collectively addressed the premeditated nature of the killings, the vulnerability of the victims, and the subsequent attempt to conceal the crimes.
| Charge | Classifications | Potential Consequence (Colorado) | Source Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Murder (Shanann Watts) | Class 1 Felony | Life imprisonment or death | Weld County District Attorney |
| First-Degree Murder (Bella Watts) | Class 1 Felony | Life imprisonment or death | Weld County District Attorney |
| First-Degree Murder (Celeste Watts) | Class 1 Felony | Life imprisonment or death | Weld County District Attorney |
| Tampering with a Dead Body | Class 2 Felony | Up to 24 years | Court filings |
| Obstruction of Justice | Class 4 Felony | Up to 6 years | Court filings |
Guilty Plea and Sentencing Outcome
Change of Venue and Plea Agreement
In 2019, facing the death penalty, Chris Watts changed his plea to guilty on all state charges as part of a plea agreement. This negotiation with prosecutors resulted in the dismissal of the death penalty as an option and established a definitive sentence. He did not go to trial on the state charges, and the case was resolved within the Colorado state system.
Final Sentencing Details
In November 2019, Judge Mark Phifer formally sentenced Chris Watts to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This sentence was imposed for each of the three first-degree murder convictions, to be served consecutively. The sentence legally ensures he will remain incarcerated for the remainder of his natural life.
| Legal Event | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest and Initial Charges | August 2018 | Formal complaint filed |
| Plea Change to Guilty | 2019 | Death penalty waived |
| Sentencing | November 2019 | Life in prison without the possibility of parole |
Federal Charges and Context
Additional Obstruction Charge
Beyond the state charges, Chris Watts was also charged federally by the U.S. Department of Justice. This federal charge pertained to the obstruction of a federal investigation concerning an interstate domestic violence shelter case. This demonstrates that the case involved not only state crimes but also violations of federal law concerning jurisdictional boundaries and protective services.
- Obstruction of a federal investigation (one count).
Current Custodial and Legal Status
Inmate Information and Location
As of the current date, Chris Watts is an incarcerated individual serving his sentence. He is held in a Colorado state prison facility. His specific inmate ID and location are tracked by the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC), which maintains current custody information for public reference.
Status Clarification and Timeline
The legal process for these charges concluded with a guilty plea and a definitive life sentence. There is no pending trial for the 2018 homicides. All initial state and federal charges related to this specific incident have been adjudicated. His current status is that of a life-sentenced inmate with no possibility of parole, a status that remains unchanged barring extraordinary legal procedures.
Distinguishing Allegations and Legal Facts
It is important to distinguish between the initial allegations and the legally established facts. Early media reports and his own initial statements described a different narrative. However, the legal facts are defined by the charges filed, the evidentiary record from his guilty plea, and the sentencing order issued by the court. This verified explanation focuses on the latter, unambiguous judicial outcomes.
- He was not charged with conspiracy.
- He was not charged with kidnapping in relation to the disposal of the bodies beyond the obstruction charge.
- He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on three counts.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Chris Watts receive the death penalty?
No. Although prosecutors sought the death penalty, the plea agreement resulted in a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
How many charges was he facing initially?
He faced five initial charges: three counts of first-degree murder, one count of tampering with a deceased body, and one count of obstruction of justice.
Is he still in custody?
Yes. He remains incarcerated in a Colorado state prison as a serving life-sentenced inmate.
Were there any federal charges?
Yes, he faced one federal charge of obstruction of a federal investigation, which was resolved alongside his state plea.