Chris Watts: Mistress, Murders & Where Is Nichol Kessinger Now?
Could a seemingly ordinary man be capable of unspeakable acts? The tragic case of Chris Watts, a man who appeared to have it all, reveals a chilling reality: the potential for darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most seemingly idyllic lives.
The story, now etched in the annals of true crime, began with a facade of normalcy. Christopher Lee Watts, known as Chris Watts, a native of Spring Lake, North Carolina, crossed paths with Shanann, an Aberdeen native, in 2010. Their connection led to a marriage in Mecklenburg County on November 3, 2012. The couple, along with their two daughters, Bella and Celeste, and Shanann's pregnancy with a son named Niko Lee, moved to Frederick, Colorado. The summer of 2018 was supposed to be filled with joy, but instead, it was the precursor to a horrifying tragedy.
Chris Watts' life took a sharp turn when he met Nichol Kessinger at their workplace. Kessinger was a contract employee with Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, and their paths crossed sometime between May or June 2018. During their initial encounters, Chris presented himself as a man at the end of divorce proceedings, a seemingly soft-spoken individual and a devoted father. But behind this carefully crafted persona, a sinister plan was brewing.
On August 13, 2018, the idyllic facade shattered. Shanann Watts, who was pregnant, and her daughters Bella and Celeste vanished. The following events would reveal the depths of Chris Watts' depravity. He initially cooperated with the police, feigning concern. Yet, as investigators delved deeper, the truth began to emerge. Chris Watts had not only been unfaithful but had committed the ultimate betrayal, ending the lives of his wife and children.
The case captivated the world, and now a new Netflix documentary, "American Murder," delves into the details of the case. As the investigation unfolded, the investigators made public statements for the first time, revealing how Watts eventually confessed to the murders. A newly surfaced video from Nichol Kessinger's police interview reveals the last text message he sent her.
The motive behind the heinous crimes remains a subject of intense speculation. It is believed that Chris Watts sought to end his marriage and pursue a new relationship with Nichol Kessinger, his girlfriend at the time. In a twisted turn, Watts even blamed Kessinger for his actions, referring to her as "Jezebel".
The details of the murders are chilling. Watts strangled Shanann in their Colorado home. He then transported her body to a job site at the oil company where he worked, concealing the evidence. The bodies of his daughters were also found, their young lives brutally extinguished.
In 2019, while incarcerated, Chris Watts contacted his pen pal, Cheryln Cadle, and shockingly revealed that he still harbored feelings for Nichol. He claimed to be receiving multiple letters in prison, which he believed were penned by Nichol under various aliases.
The Chris Watts case serves as a chilling reminder that darkness can sometimes reside where we least expect it. It is a stark portrayal of the human capacity for deception, betrayal, and violence, leaving the world to grapple with the question of how a man could destroy the very family he had helped create.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the world is left to ponder the events and the devastating impact it had on those involved.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Lee Watts |
| Date of Birth | May 16, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Spring Lake, North Carolina |
| Spouse | Shanann Watts (Married November 3, 2012; murdered August 13, 2018) |
| Children | Bella Watts, Celeste Watts, Niko Lee Watts (unborn) |
| Profession | Former Oil Field Operator |
| Employment | Anadarko Petroleum Corporation |
| Crimes Committed | Murder of Shanann Watts and their two daughters, Bella and Celeste. |
| Date of Crimes | August 13, 2018 |
| Location of Crimes | Frederick, Colorado |
| Current Status | Serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole at the Dodge Correctional Institution, Waupun, Wisconsin |
| Relationship with Nichol Kessinger | Had an extramarital affair. |
| Reference | The Denver Post |
The Chris Watts case, alongside other recent cases, has exposed the often-complex nature of human relationships and the motivations behind extreme acts.
The story of Chris Watts has been the subject of extensive media coverage, including documentaries, news reports, and true-crime analyses. These reports detail the investigation, the trial, and the sentencing of Chris Watts, including the discovery of the bodies of Shanann and the girls, the confession of Watts, and the impact of the tragedy on the community.
The details of the murders are horrifying, as Watts strangled his wife, Shanann, in their home before disposing of her body. He then smothered his two daughters, Bella and Celeste. The murders and the subsequent cover-up shocked the community and generated widespread media attention.
The investigation and trial provided the public with a disturbing window into Watts' life, revealing his affair with Nichol Kessinger, a co-worker at Anadarko Petroleum, as a contributing factor to the tragedy.
The Watts family had moved to Frederick, Colorado, where Chris worked in the oil industry. Shanann was a stay-at-home mother who was also involved in a multi-level marketing business.
The disappearance of Shanann and her daughters was initially reported by the police after Shanann missed a doctor's appointment on August 13, 2018. Chris Watts initially cooperated with the investigation, even appearing on television pleading for his family's return. However, the investigation soon began to focus on Watts, and he was eventually arrested.
The case is a somber reminder of the importance of recognizing potential signs of trouble in relationships and the devastating consequences of violence. It is a story of betrayal and loss, and the investigation revealed disturbing details that will stay in people's minds for a long time.
The case highlighted the importance of the role of forensic evidence in solving the crime. The authorities were able to establish the crime scene at the Watts' home in Frederick, Colorado, and used video footage, cell phone records, and other elements to build a compelling case against Chris Watts.
The case also triggered discussions about the use of social media and the way digital footprints can be left for authorities to gather.
The case has been the subject of much discussion and debate and is still an area of interest.
