Digest

This episode of the 2020 True Crime Vault delves into the tragic story of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, who went missing in 2018. The episode begins with the disappearance of Shanann Watts, a social media influencer and mother of two young girls. Her husband, Chris Watts, initially appears to be a grieving husband, but his behavior raises suspicions. As the investigation unfolds, Chris Watts's lies and an affair with a coworker, Nicole Kessinger, come to light. The episode explores the unraveling of Chris and Shanann's marriage and the growing suspicions surrounding Chris's involvement in his family's disappearance. Chris Watts eventually confesses to killing his wife and daughters, but initially claims that Shanann strangled the children. The episode details the interrogation process and Chris's shifting story, ultimately revealing the horrific truth behind the murders. The episode concludes with the aftermath of the murders, including the discovery of the bodies and Chris Watts's sentencing to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The episode reflects on the impact of the tragedy on Shanann's family and friends, as well as the community.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Disappearance of Shanann Watts and Her Daughters

This episode explores the tragic story of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, who went missing in 2018. The episode features interviews with Shanann's family and friends, as well as law enforcement officials who investigated the case.

00:01:53

Chris Watts's Lies and the Affair

The episode explores the unraveling of Chris and Shanann's marriage and the growing suspicions surrounding Chris's involvement in his family's disappearance. As the investigation unfolds, Chris Watts's lies and an affair with a coworker, Nicole Kessinger, come to light.

00:27:17

Chris Watts's Confession and the Truth

Chris Watts eventually confesses to killing his wife and daughters, but initially claims that Shanann strangled the children. The episode details the interrogation process and Chris's shifting story, ultimately revealing the horrific truth behind the murders.

00:38:13

The Aftermath and Chris Watts's Sentence

The episode concludes with the aftermath of the murders, including the discovery of the bodies and Chris Watts's sentencing to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The episode reflects on the impact of the tragedy on Shanann's family and friends, as well as the community.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were some of the warning signs that Chris Watts was involved in the disappearance of his wife and daughters?

  Chris Watts's behavior raised suspicions from the beginning. He initially appeared to be a grieving husband, but his demeanor was calm and relaxed, and he seemed to be rehearsed in his responses. He also lied about his whereabouts and had an affair with a coworker.

• How did Chris Watts's confession unfold?

  Chris Watts initially confessed to killing his wife and daughters, but claimed that Shanann strangled the children. However, investigators were skeptical of his story and pressed him further. He eventually admitted to killing his daughters and then his wife, revealing the horrific truth behind the murders.

• What was the motive behind Chris Watts's crimes?

  Chris Watts's motive for killing his wife and daughters was a combination of his affair with Nicole Kessinger and financial difficulties. He wanted to be free from the responsibilities of his family and start a new life with his mistress.

Show Notes