A new multi-part investigation by The Crime Desk is examining the psychology of Chris Watts, who murdered his pregnant wife Shanann and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, in August 2018. The series aims to unpack the lingering questions surrounding the case, particularly the motives behind the killings.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Gary Brucato is providing expert insights into Watts's mindset, analyzing his motives, the role his affair played in the murders, and what the differing methods of killing his wife and daughters suggest about his feelings toward them. The investigation also includes new interviews with individuals who knew Watts and exclusive information about his life and relationships while incarcerated.
The Crime Desk's investigation, published over four weeks, seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the events that led to the deaths of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste. The series is being released through the publication's free weekly newsletter, which features investigative journalism on significant cases, exclusive interviews with those connected to cases, and expert analysis.
Watts committed the murders in August 2018. His wife was strangled, and her body was disposed of in a shallow grave, while the couple's daughters were smothered and their bodies placed in oil tanks. The case has continued to draw public attention and scrutiny in the years since the crimes.