Mile Higher Podcast Episode 64: The Watts Family Tragedy

Introduction

• Discussion of the Watts family tragedy.
• Case received nationwide coverage.
• Previous discussions and developments since the initial coverage.

Watts Family Background

• Shanann and Chris Watts:
  • Seemingly perfect couple from Colorado.
  • Shanann was very active on social media; worked for Thrive.
  • Chris Watts worked for an oil and gas company, Anadarko.
  • They had two daughters, Bella and Celeste, and Shanann was pregnant with their third child, a boy named Nico.

Timeline of Events

• June 11, 2018: Shanann announces her pregnancy with a video.
• June 17, 2018: Chris begins an affair with coworker Nicole Kessinger.
  • Chris claims to be separated; Shanann posts on Facebook about him being a great father.
• June 27, 2018: Shanann and daughters go to North Carolina for a five-week vacation.
• July 4, 2018: Chris invites Nicole to his home.
• July 10-14, 2018: Shanann senses distance; Chris is less responsive and travels with Nicole.
• August 4, 2018: Shanann and Chris have discussions revealing marital issues; Chris doesn't show interest in the pregnancy.
• August 9, 2018: Shanann cancels gender reveal party due to Chris's cold behavior.
• August 11, 2018: Chris lies about going to a Rockies game but is actually with Nicole.
• August 13, 2018: Shanann returns from Arizona trip early morning; last seen alive.

The Crime

• Chris allegedly strangles Shanann after a supposed argument about separation.
• Takes Shanann and the girls' bodies to his work site.
• August 15, 2018: Chris lies about their disappearance on TV.
• Neighbor's surveillance reveals inconsistencies in Chris's story.

Investigation and Arrest

• August 15, 2018: Chris fails polygraph; confesses to killing Shanann but falsely accuses her of killing the children.
• Bodies of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste found at Chris's work site.
• Chris arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder and unlawful termination of a pregnancy.

Trial and Sentencing

• Chris pleads guilty to avoid death penalty; sentenced to life without parole.
• Parents of Shanann rejected Chris's version of events as false.

Key Points and Reflections

• Financial struggles were noted as a stressor in the marriage.
• Chris wanted a new life with his mistress, Nicole.
• The case highlights the hidden struggles families may face and the shocking potential for domestic violence.
• Chris Watts received a life sentence, reflecting the gravity and brutality of the crime.

Final Thoughts

• The tragedy serves as a reminder of the impacts of domestic violence.
• Shanann and her daughters remembered through their digital presence and community support.
• The case is a cautionary tale about perceived perfection versus reality.

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Ethical Considerations

• Discussions about privacy and surveillance in technology, as mentioned in podcast topics.
• Ethical implications of sharing sensitive personal stories in the media.

Additional Topics Covered

• Google and Privacy: Concerns regarding the tracking and surveillance by tech companies and law enforcement.
• Aliens and Theories: Oxford professor claims about human-alien hybrids.

Conclusion

• The podcast discusses heavy and emotional topics.
• Encouragement to be aware of domestic violence issues and seek help when necessary.