Chris Watts became one of the most notorious criminals in modern American history following his 2018 conviction for the murders of his pregnant wife and two young daughters. The brutality and deception involved in the case shocked the world and drew massive media attention, turning what seemed like a normal suburban life into a chilling narrative of betrayal and homicide. Since then, many have wondered about his current status: Is Chris Watts still alive?
As of May 2025, Chris Watts is alive and serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole at Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin. He remains in prison under high security, living a life of isolation and infamy.
Who Is Chris Watts?
Chris Watts was born on May 16, 1985, and lived in Frederick, Colorado, with his wife Shanann Watts and their two daughters, Bella and Celeste. Outwardly, the family appeared happy. Shanann was active on social media, often posting pictures and videos showcasing what seemed like a loving household.
Behind the scenes, however, the marriage was under stress. Financial troubles, emotional distance, and infidelity were brewing under the surface. Watts had begun an affair with a coworker, a fact that would soon prove central to the unraveling of the family’s fate.
The Murders That Shook a Nation
On August 13, 2018, Chris Watts murdered his entire family. He strangled his 15-weeks pregnant wife, Shanann, at their home in the early morning hours. He then drove her body, along with his two daughters—still alive at the time—to an oil site owned by his employer.
At the site, Watts smothered Celeste, then Bella, and placed their small bodies into separate oil tanks. He buried Shanann in a shallow grave nearby. These actions were carried out with cold calculation and an apparent desire to erase his family in order to start a new life with his mistress.
The Investigation and False Public Pleas
Following the disappearance of his family, Watts appeared on local and national media outlets pleading for their safe return. These pleas were chilling in retrospect, as he knew exactly what had happened to them. The public and investigators quickly grew suspicious.
Watts failed a polygraph test and was soon confronted with inconsistencies in his story. Under pressure, he confessed first to killing Shanann in a supposed act of rage. Eventually, the full truth emerged—he had murdered all three intentionally. The confession, paired with recovered evidence, sealed his fate.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
On November 6, 2018, Chris Watts pleaded guilty to nine felony counts, including three counts of first-degree murder, unlawful termination of a pregnancy, and three counts of tampering with a deceased body. He took a plea deal to avoid the death penalty, which had been considered but was opposed by Shanann’s family.
On November 19, 2018, he was sentenced to five life sentences without the possibility of parole. Three of these sentences are served consecutively. Additional years were added for the other charges, ensuring he will never leave prison.
Life in Prison: Isolation and Reflection
Chris Watts is currently incarcerated at Dodge Correctional Institution in Wisconsin. He was transferred there from Colorado for his own safety, as the nature of his crimes made him a target for other inmates. Reports suggest that Watts lives in relative isolation, with limited human interaction.
He has reportedly engaged in religious studies, reads the Bible, and has expressed remorse in letters and conversations. However, many people, including members of Shanann’s family and the public, remain skeptical of his intentions. Some believe his remorse is more about self-preservation than genuine regret.
Attempts at Redemption or Rewriting the Narrative?
In recent years, Chris Watts has continued to communicate with outsiders, including supporters who write him letters. In these correspondences, he has offered conflicting accounts of what happened and why. At times, he has blamed Shanann, claiming he was manipulated or provoked.
In other instances, he blamed his former mistress, referring to her with biblical terms such as “Jezebel.” These attempts to deflect blame have been widely criticized. They are seen as part of a pattern of manipulation and refusal to take full accountability for his actions.
The Role of Media in the Case
The Watts family murders have become one of the most widely publicized criminal cases in recent memory. Countless documentaries, interviews, and podcasts have explored the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of the case. One of the most well-known pieces is the Netflix documentary American Murder: The Family Next Door, which used real footage and text messages to reconstruct the days leading up to the crime.
Media coverage has focused not just on the crime itself, but on the deception leading up to it—the use of social media to portray a perfect family, the breakdown of trust, and the devastating outcome of secret affairs and emotional repression.
The Legacy of Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and Nico
While much attention has been paid to Chris Watts and his actions, it is important to remember the victims: Shanann Watts, 34; Bella, 4; Celeste, 3; and the unborn child, Nico. Shanann’s family continues to honor their memory through advocacy for domestic violence prevention and victim support.
Their legacy has prompted broader conversations about identifying red flags in relationships, supporting mental health, and ensuring that help is available to those in danger. Vigils, tributes, and online communities continue to keep their memory alive and turn tragedy into a call for awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Chris Watts still alive in 2025?
Yes, Chris Watts is alive and currently incarcerated at Dodge Correctional Institution in Wisconsin, serving multiple life sentences without parole.
Why did Chris Watts kill his family?
The primary motive appears to have been his desire to start a new life with a woman he was having an affair with. Watts saw his family as an obstacle to that plan.
Has Chris Watts expressed remorse?
Watts has claimed to feel remorse and has participated in religious studies in prison, but his credibility remains in question due to inconsistencies in his statements and shifting blame.
Is Chris Watts in solitary confinement?
He is reportedly kept in relative isolation for safety reasons, though he is not officially in solitary confinement by legal standards.
Can Chris Watts ever be released?
No. He is serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole and will remain in prison for the rest of his life.
Conclusion
Chris Watts remains a chilling reminder of how quickly a seemingly ordinary life can descend into unimaginable violence. His actions destroyed a family and shocked the world. Today, he lives behind bars, confined to a life of isolation and infamy. For the public, the case is far from forgotten—it continues to spark conversations about family dynamics, deception, and justice.
As of 2025, Chris Watts is still alive, but his life is defined by the irreversible horror of his actions. He will never walk free again. The real focus now is on honoring the lives of Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and Nico—and learning from the tragedy to prevent such horrors in the future.