Chris Watts shocked the world in 2018 when he confessed to the brutal murder of his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts, and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste. The case made headlines worldwide not only for the horrific nature of the crime but also because of Watts’ chillingly calm demeanor throughout the investigation and his initial insistence that his family had disappeared. Since his conviction, many have been curious about Chris Watts’ life in prison, his mental state, and whether he has shown any remorse for his actions. Here, we take an in-depth look at where Chris Watts is now, what his life behind bars looks like, and how he’s coping with the consequences of his actions.
Chris Watts’ Background: A Crime That Stunned the Nation
Chris Watts appeared to be an ordinary husband and father. The Watts family lived in a suburban home in Frederick, Colorado, and Shanann Watts often shared photos and videos of their seemingly happy family life on social media. However, beneath the surface, Chris was hiding a double life. He was having an affair with a coworker and struggling with the pressures of family life, financial debt, and a strained marriage. In August 2018, the situation came to a head, leading to one of the most tragic and disturbing family murders in recent memory.
After a brief investigation, during which Chris initially pleaded for the safe return of his family, he confessed to killing Shanann and their two daughters. He was arrested and ultimately sentenced to five consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus additional time for unlawful termination of a pregnancy and tampering with a deceased human body. He is currently serving his sentence at the Dodge Correctional Institution in Waupun, Wisconsin, a high-security facility where he is expected to remain for the rest of his life.
Prison Transfer: Why Chris Watts Was Moved Out of Colorado
Initially, Chris Watts was held at a facility in Colorado. However, due to the high-profile nature of his case and concerns for his safety, the Colorado Department of Corrections decided to transfer him out of state. In December 2018, Watts was moved to the Dodge Correctional Institution in Wisconsin. The reason for the transfer was largely for his own protection; he faced significant threats from other inmates who were aware of his crime. Child killers and those who commit crimes against family members often receive the harshest treatment in prison, and Watts’ case was particularly notorious.
Dodge Correctional Institution is known for housing inmates who require a high level of security and supervision. The facility provides strict control over its inmates, limiting interactions with other prisoners and ensuring that high-profile offenders like Watts are closely monitored. This environment helps protect Watts from potential attacks by other inmates who might wish to harm him due to the nature of his crime.
Life Behind Bars: Chris Watts’ Daily Routine in Prison
Life in prison is a far cry from the suburban comfort Chris Watts once knew. His days are structured and repetitive, filled with strict schedules and limited freedoms. According to reports, Watts spends most of his time in solitary confinement or in a restricted section of the prison. His cell is small, with just enough space for a bed, a sink, and a toilet. He is allowed out of his cell for only a few hours each day, during which he can shower, exercise, or participate in limited recreational activities.
Watts reportedly works in the prison as a custodian, earning minimal wages for tasks like cleaning floors and maintaining facilities. Prison jobs are often assigned to give inmates a sense of purpose and responsibility, though the wages are nominal. Watts’ income from these jobs is used to cover basic expenses, such as toiletries and snacks from the commissary.
Isolation is a significant part of Watts’ life in prison. Due to the nature of his crime and the attention it received, he is kept away from the general prison population to minimize the risk of violence. This isolation can have severe psychological effects, leading to feelings of loneliness, despair, and even paranoia. Watts has limited contact with the outside world, restricted mainly to supervised phone calls and occasional visits from family members who choose to keep in touch.
Watts’ Mental State: Has He Shown Any Remorse?
One of the most frequently asked questions about Chris Watts is whether he feels any remorse for his actions. During his initial confession and subsequent interviews, Watts appeared emotionally detached, even cold, which led many to question whether he fully comprehends the gravity of his actions. However, prison sources and occasional interviews have suggested that Watts does experience moments of guilt and regret, particularly when reflecting on his daughters.
Some reports indicate that Watts has turned to religion to cope with his guilt and isolation. He has reportedly become more spiritual and has been studying the Bible while in prison. Watts has written letters from prison expressing remorse, although some remain skeptical of his sincerity. To some, his remorse may appear self-serving, particularly given his initial attempts to deceive investigators and the public. Nonetheless, the solitude and introspection that prison life offers can sometimes lead to genuine self-reflection, and Watts’ statements on the matter reflect, at the very least, some awareness of the pain he caused.
How the Watts Family Murder Case Still Impacts Him
Despite his isolation, Watts cannot escape the consequences of his actions. The Watts family murder remains a topic of public interest, and media outlets continue to cover new developments or insights related to his case. Documentaries, books, and online discussions about the tragedy ensure that Watts’ name stays in the public eye, often reigniting public outrage against him.
This ongoing media attention reportedly weighs heavily on Watts. He is aware of the world’s perception of him, and prison staff have noted that he sometimes expresses feelings of shame and regret. Watts knows that he is one of the most vilified criminals in recent history, and this knowledge likely adds to his emotional burden. Family members, including his parents, occasionally visit or communicate with him, though these interactions are limited and often strained.
The psychological impact of living under constant scrutiny, even in prison, is profound. Watts has no privacy, no escape from his past, and no way to rebuild his life in any meaningful sense. Unlike some inmates who may eventually reintegrate into society, Watts knows he will never leave prison. This knowledge contributes to a sense of hopelessness that reportedly affects his mental health.
Public Reaction and Its Effect on Watts’ Mental Health
The public’s reaction to Chris Watts and his crimes is overwhelmingly negative, which is understandable given the nature of his actions. Watts is often the subject of harsh criticism on social media, and various groups continue to express outrage over the murders of Shanann, Bella, and Celeste. Documentaries like American Murder: The Family Next Door on Netflix have kept the case fresh in the public’s mind, ensuring that Watts’ name is associated with horror and betrayal.
This public condemnation doesn’t just affect Watts in theory; it has real implications for his life in prison. Even in isolation, Watts is aware of how he’s viewed outside. Letters from the public, including hate mail, reinforce his status as a pariah. While he occasionally receives supportive messages from people who claim to forgive him or urge him to repent, these are far outnumbered by messages of disgust and anger.
Mental health experts suggest that constant exposure to negative opinions and awareness of public hatred can deepen an inmate’s sense of worthlessness. For Watts, who already lives in isolation, this can lead to increased feelings of depression and hopelessness. Though he has not expressed suicidal thoughts publicly, sources within the prison have indicated that Watts struggles emotionally, battling feelings of despair and guilt.
What Does the Future Hold for Chris Watts?
Chris Watts’ future is bleak. He will spend the rest of his life behind bars, with no possibility of parole. His days will continue to be governed by the prison’s strict schedule, his interactions will remain limited, and he will likely face a lifetime of isolation due to the high risk associated with putting him in the general prison population.
The possibility of rehabilitation or redemption is a topic that generates mixed feelings. Some believe that no amount of remorse or repentance could make up for his actions, while others argue that every human being deserves a chance at personal transformation. Regardless of the public’s opinion, Watts’ reality is unchangeable; he will live and die in prison, haunted by the crimes he committed and the family he destroyed.
FAQs
1. Is Chris Watts in solitary confinement?
Yes, due to the nature of his crime and his high-profile status, Chris Watts is often kept in isolation or in a restricted section of the prison to protect him from potential harm by other inmates.
2. Does Chris Watts have contact with his family?
Watts has limited contact with some family members, including his parents. However, these interactions are infrequent and closely monitored by prison authorities.
3. Has Chris Watts shown any remorse for his crimes?
There have been reports that Watts expresses feelings of guilt and remorse, particularly regarding his daughters. However, public opinion is divided on whether his remorse is genuine.
4. Why was Chris Watts moved to a prison in Wisconsin?
Watts was transferred from Colorado to Wisconsin for his own safety, as the high-profile nature of his case put him at risk in Colorado’s prison system.
5. Can Chris Watts ever be released from prison?
No, Chris Watts is serving five consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. He will remain in prison for the rest of his life.
