Reason Chris Watts did not serve death penalty after murdering his wife and two daughters

In 2018, 34-year-old Shanann Watts and her two young daughters went missing in Colorado.

Following their disappearance, Shanann's husband Chris Watts appeared on TV begging the public to share any information they had about his family and pleading for his wife - who was pregnant at the time - to come home.

However, as told in Netflix documentary American Murder: The Family Next Door, Watts was actually the man behind their disappearance.

What really happened to Shanann and her children

Watts, who had been having an affair at the time, had strangled his pregnant wife in their Colorado home before brutally murdering Bella, four, and Celeste, three.

After killing his wife, he buried her and their unborn child in a shallow grave, before dumping the two little girls’ bodies in crude oil tanks.

The 33-year-old will now spend the rest of his life behind bars.

However, despite Judge Marcelo Kopcow calling the murders 'inhumane' and 'vicious,' Watts wasn't given a death sentence, which was legal at the time in Colorado before being abolished in 2020.

In 2018, Chris Watts pled guilty to the murders of his pregnant wife and daughters. (RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Despite it being legal in Colorado at the time, why exactly wasn't Watts given the death penalty?

Prior to his sentencing back in 2018, prosecutors agreed not to ask for the death penalty in exchange for a guilty plea from Watts, after seeking approval from Shanann's family.

Instead, the killer was handed five life sentences with possibility of parole.

Watts also received an additional 48 years for the death of his unborn son and 36 years for crimes related to the disposal of his family's bodies.

Shanann's family speak out

Shanann’s father, Frank Rzucek, told the court his pregnant daughter and granddaughters’ lives had been taken by an 'evil, heartless monster'.

"God only knows what happened that night but life will never be the same. They had all their lives to live," he said.

"They were taken by a heartless one, taken by an evil monster… You took them out like trash, you disgust me."

Despite his 'vicious' crimes, Watts was not handed the death penalty after he pleaded guilty. (Facebook)

Shanann’s mum, Sandy Rzucek, told Watts in the court: "We loved you like a son, we trusted you. Your faithful wife trusted you. Your children adored you and they also trusted you.

"But I know God and his mighty angels were there to bring them home to paradise. Not only did you take the family of four – your family of four – you took your own life."

What is life in prison like for Watts?

Shockingly, Watts has acquired somewhat of a bizarre fan club since the killings took over US media.

While imprisoned in a maximum-security facility, the murderer has received letters from a number of female admirers who have fallen for him, seemingly undeterred by his terrifying track record.

According to ABC7, one woman wrote: "In my heart, I know you are a great guy. If you do write me back I'd be the happiest girl alive, that's for sure #teamchris #chrisisinnocent #lovehim #socute."

And another wrote: "I've found myself thinking a lot about you," alongside a photo of herself wearing a bikini.

Topics: US News, Crime, True Crime

Bec Oakes